Effects of COVID-19 on Sexual and Reproductive health

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1841-1845
Author(s):  
Shazia Mohammad ◽  
Neema Acharya ◽  
Kiran Borkar ◽  
Shirin Mohammad
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Safe Abortion ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease was first reported in China in December 2019, and WHO declared the coronavirus pandemic on 11 March 2020. Since then, all the continents have observed a fast-growing upward trend in number of confirmed cases. During the epidemics, Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights became a monumentous public health issue. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is new to humans and there is only some experimental data available to describe the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) effects of COVID-19 disease, including clinical appearance and consequences of COVID-19 infection during birth, or for people with STI (sexually transmitted infections) or HIV-related immunosuppression. We should not neglect the bearings at the level of the health system and delays or interludes in the routine availability of SRH facilities outside the therapeutic reach of SRH, such as pre-and postnatal tests, safe abortion, contraception, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections. In addition, other factors warrant consideration, such as the possible rise in gender-based violence and domestic abuse and the consequences of COVID-19-related stigma and prejudice and their effect on SRH customers and health care providers. Therefore, the research community has an immediate requirement for the creation of all-inclusive clinical, epidemiological, and psycho-social behavioral ties between COVID-19 and SRH and the effects of rights. A comprehensive systematic literature search of the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, Cochrane and MedRxiv, was carried out.

The Hidden Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijayan Sharmila ◽  
Thirunavukkarasu Arun Babu
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Safe Abortion ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was first reported from China in December 2019, and World Health Organization declared the outbreak as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The number of confirmed cases is rising alarmingly in most countries across all continents over the past few months. The current COVID-19 pandemic has an immense impact on Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) with disruptions in regular provision of Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services such as maternal care, safe abortion services, contraception, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Other aspects that merit attention include probable increase in domestic violence, sexual abuse, and effects of stigma associated with coronavirus infection on SRH clients and health care providers. Furthermore, as the coronavirus infection is relatively new, only minimal data is available to understand the impact of this disease on SRH, including coronavirus infection complicating pregnancies, and in people with STI/HIV-related immunosuppression. There is a serious necessity for the medical fraternity to generate psycho-social and clinico-epidemiological correlations between coronavirus disease and SRHR outcomes. The article reviews the hidden impact of coronavirus pandemic on sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, particularly in India

scholarly journals Men’s perceptions of sexual and reproductive health education within the context of pregnancy and HIV in Zambia: a descriptive qualitative analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tulani Francis L. Matenga ◽  
Joseph Mumba Zulu ◽  
Sharon Nkwemu ◽  
Perfect Shankalala ◽  
Karen Hampanda
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Women Living With Hiv ◽  
The Family

Abstract Background Although health care providers are beginning to focus on men’s roles as fathers and husbands, there is limited understanding of how men view their ability to promote sexual and reproductive health in families affected by HIV and their experiences with receiving education through antenatal care. This paper aims to explore men’s perceptions of the education they need regarding sexual and reproductive health within the family in the context of HIV. Methods We interviewed a convenience sample of 18 male partners of pregnant women living with HIV in Lusaka, Zambia. Atlas.ti was used to facilitate data management and content analysis. Results Men reported being the primary decision-makers regarding sexual and reproductive issues in the family; however, they admitted far-reaching unmet needs in terms of information on sexual and reproductive health in the context of HIV. Most men felt that antenatal care was not a conducive setting to fully educate men on sexual and reproductive health because it is a woman’s space where their health concerns were generally neglected. There was a strong desire for more education that was specific to men’s sexual and reproductive health, especially because all the couples were affected by HIV. Men especially requested education on sexual preparedness, safe sex, the use of condoms in sero-concordant and sero-discordant relationships and general health information. Although men stated they were the main decision-makers regarding sexual and reproductive issues such as pregnancy, most men were not confident in their ability to promote sexual and reproductive health in the family because of limited knowledge in this area. Conclusion There is need to change the environment and messaging of antenatal care, as well as offer relevant education opportunities outside health facility settings to empower men with essential information for meaningful involvement in sexual and reproductive health in the context of HIV.

scholarly journals In everybody’s interest but no one’s assigned responsibility: midwives’ thoughts and experiences of preventive work for men’s sexual and reproductive health and rights within primary care

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grandahl ◽  
Maja Bodin ◽  
Jenny Stern
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Care Recipients ◽  
Preventive Work ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) have historically been regarded as a woman’s issue. It is likely that these gender norms also hinder health care providers from perceiving boys and men as health care recipients, especially within the area of SRHR. The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ thoughts and experiences regarding preventive work for men’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in the primary care setting. Methods An exploratory qualitative study. Five focus group interviews, including 4–5 participants in each group, were conducted with 22 midwives aged 31–64, who worked with reproductive, perinatal and sexual health within primary care. Data were analysed by latent content analysis. Results One overall theme emerged, in everybody’s interest, but no one’s assigned responsibility, and three sub-themes: (i) organisational aspects create obstacles, (ii) mixed views on the midwife’s role and responsibility, and (iii) beliefs about men and women: same, but different. Conclusions Midwives believed that preventive work for men’s sexual and reproductive health and rights was in everybody’s interest, but no one’s assigned responsibility. To improve men’s access to sexual and reproductive health care, actions are needed from the state, the health care system and health care providers.

Sexually transmitted infections and women's sexual and reproductive health

2013 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sami L. Gottlieb ◽  
Lori M. Newman ◽  
Avni Amin ◽  
Marleen Temmerman ◽  
Nathalie Broutet
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

scholarly journals Brief Intervention to prevent HIV, STI and unintended pregnancies: preliminary results of a feasibility study from the perspective of healthcare providers in Peru

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre Jiron ◽  
Clara Sandoval ◽  
Juan Carlos Enciso ◽  
Ana Sofía Vasconcelos ◽  
Karel Blondeel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Northern Coast ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

Abstract Background Brief interventions have proven to be valuable instruments for the treatment and care of clients with diverse health needs, due to their potential to impact both the individual and the population. In this regard, the Brief Sexuality-Related Communication (BSC) is presented as a viable and effective alternative for addressing sexual and reproductive health problems, assessing risk behaviors and motivating clients to generate behavioral change. Since health providers are key actors in treatment and prevention, it is essential to know their perceptions about the BSC intervention, as well as its acceptability in different contexts, with diverse client populations. Thus, the following paper reflects the findings of the perceptions and experiences of health providers in Peru from the first phase of the Feasibility study of a BSC intervention to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. Methods This is the first phase of a multisite and multiphase study of the feasibility of a BSC intervention. We conducted twenty in-depth interviews (IDI) with health care providers (physicians, obstetricians, psychologists, nurses and peer counselors) recruited from three health care institutions in Peru: The Tahuantinsuyo Bajo Maternal and Child Center (CMI) and the San José Maternal and Child Center, both located in the capital city, Lima; and La Caleta Hospital located in Chimbote, northern coast of Peru. Participating health providers included those working at the HIV/STI Reference service and the family planning/reproductive health service. The IDI addressed three domains: 1) Acceptability of the BSC intervention; 2) Perceived willingness to implement the BSC intervention; and 3) Considerations for the Implementation of the BSC intervention. Results Health providers expressed high acceptance of the BSC intervention, considering it as a useful and effective instrument to address sexual and reproductive health problems with all clients; however, some providers had some concerns about the real impact of the intervention to achieve significant behavior change. On the other hand, health providers showed high willingness to learn and implement the BSC intervention, affirming their commitment to learn new techniques and strategies that could allow them to improve their knowledge and the quality of their care. Health care providers consider it necessary to take into account the barriers that arise in the implementation of the BSC intervention, such as the structural limitations to access, the providers’ abilities to deliver the intervention effectively, and the participants’ reception of the intervention. Finally, providers consider it essential to establish the BSC intervention in a normative framework that allows it to receive the support of the health departments and eventually enforces implementation. Conclusions Health providers consider the BSC intervention as an interesting and exciting behavioral intervention to deal with the sexual and reproductive health issues existing in different populations, and seemed highly willing to adapt and implement it, hoping that it become beneficial to all client populations to prevent HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancies.

scholarly journals Zika outbreak, resilient health systems, and women’s sexual and reproductive health: a qualitative study in Colombia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Rivillas-García ◽  
Luz Janeth Forero-Martinez ◽  
Mariana Calderon-Jaramillo ◽  
Victoria Vargas-Pinzón ◽  
Rocío Murad-Rivera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Technical Equipment ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Data Set ◽  
National Response ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background There is substantial evidence of the profound consequences of Zika on women's Sexual and Reproductive Health. Health system resilience begins by measuring critical capacities ahead of a crisis such as zika outbreak. Even though zika as vector-borne disease is well documented, there is dearth of studies linking Zika with women's Sexual and Reproductive Health. The main objective of this study was to analyze the national response to the Zika epidemic and its relation to women’s sexual and reproductive health matters through key implementation mechanisms in order to promote resilience of the health system in five cities in Colombia.Methods This study used a qualitative design to enable an in-depth exploration of the national response to the Zika epidemic and sexual and reproductive health matters through key implementation mechanisms (based on facilitators and gaps) within the health system. The overall data set was comprised of 31 semi-structured individual interviews (23 women and 8 men), 25 interviews with key informants responsible for the implementation of the Zika Virus Response Plan; six interviews with pregnant women diagnosed with Zika; and five focus groups discussions with communities (n=122 participants) in five cities in Colombia: Barranquilla, Cucuta, Los Patios, San Andres and Soledad.Results The findings revealed the three major facilitators that promoted the implementation of actions to address the Zika epidemic: i) the role of health care providers; ii) the development of technical equipment capabilities; and iii) inter-institutional coordination. The study also identified implementation gaps: i) absence of a human rights and sexual and reproductive health approach; ii) focus on territorial actions centered on mosquito management; and iii) limited attitudes, behaviors and knowledge at the community level.Conclusion This study provided a comprehensive insight of critical facilitating processes and gaps in the implementation of the government response during the Zika epidemic in Colombia. This study reveals that the lack of understanding of the intersection between gender, the Zika epidemic and Sexual and Reproductive Health limited the adoption, development and implementation of a more comprehensive responses to address the impact on women’s sexual and reproductive health.

scholarly journals Sexual and reproductive health problems among Ugandan youth during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: An online cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Binezero Mambo ◽  
Franck K. Sikakulya ◽  
Robinson Ssebuufu ◽  
Yusuf Mulumba ◽  
Henry Wasswa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

Abstract BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic threatens access to sexual and reproductive health services. With global health emergencies, there is often a total reversal of priorities and access to sexual and reproductive health services may become challenging. The aim of this study was to establish the problems related to sexual and reproductive health among Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown. MethodsThis was an online cross-sectional study carried out from April 2020 to May 2020 in Uganda. An online questionnaire was used and participants aged 18years to 30 years recruited using the snowballing approach. The statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.2.Results Out of 724 participants, 203 (28%) reported not having information and/or education concerning sexual and reproductive health (SRH). About a quarter of the participants (26.9%, n=195) reported not having testing and treatment services of sexually transmitted infections available during the lockdown. Lack of transport means was the commonest (68.7%) limiting factor to access to SRH services during the lockdown followed by the long distance from home to SRH facility (55.2%), high cost of services (42.2%) and curfew (39.1%). Sexually transmitted infections were the commonest (40.4%) problem related to SRH during the lockdown followed by unwanted pregnancy (32.4%) and sexual abuse (32.4%). The multivariate regression analysis shows that problems were more prevalent among the co-habiting youth [APR: 2.3 (1.6 - 3.29), p<0.001] followed by unemployed (volunteer or unpaid) [APR: 1.6 (1.03 - 2.64), p: 0.037] than in other participants. ConclusionsThe findings of this study show that Ugandan youths have accessing SRH information and services during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cohabiting and unemployed participants were the most affected. Lack of transport means and high cost of services were the major limiting factors to access SRH services among the youths. The findings call for concerted efforts from the Uganda government and international non-governmental organisations to ensure access and availability of SRH services for Ugandan youths during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ndola Prata ◽  
Karen Weidert
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The World

Adolescence, spanning 10 to 19 years of age, begins with biological changes while transitioning from a social status of a child to an adult. For millions of adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), this is a period of exposure to vulnerabilities and risks related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), compounded by challenges in having their SHR needs met. Globally, adolescent sexual and reproductive ill-health disease burden is concentrated in LMICs, with sexually transmitted infections and complications from pregnancy and childbirth accounting for the majority of the burden. Adolescents around the world are using their voices to champion access to high-quality, comprehensive SRH information and services. Thus, it is imperative that adolescents’ SRH and rights be reinforced and that investments in services be prioritized.

scholarly journals Sexual Minority Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 728-739
Author(s):  
Margaret M. Paschen-Wolff ◽  
Madelyne Z. Greene ◽  
Tonda L. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive

Although sexual minority women (SMW) are at risk for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they may not seek preventative sexual and reproductive health care at the same rates as their heterosexual peers. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of 22 adult SMW, a subsample of participants enrolled in the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study. The aim was to describe the sexual and reproductive health literacy of this community sample based on qualitative themes, using an integrated model of health literacy. This model considers not only access to information but also understanding, appraisal, and application of information. We found that family of origin, health care providers, and school-based sexual education were the most important sources of sexual and reproductive health information. Participants described their understanding, appraisal, and application of sexual and reproductive health information as interdependent concepts. Pap test literacy and decision making were strongly independent, with SMW seeking various sources of information, or were driven by health care providers, with SMW following instructions and trusting provider advice. STI-related literacy hinged on whether the participant perceived SMW as at risk for STIs. Our findings reinforce that simply having access to information is insufficient to enact health behaviors that reflect full literacy. Findings have implications for health care providers, who should provide evidence-based recommendations for their SMW clients, and for public health practitioners and educators, who could make sexual health education more inclusive of and specific to the needs of SMW.

scholarly journals A multidimensional approach to inform family planning needs, preferences and behaviours amongst women in South Africa through body mapping

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Harries ◽  
Deborah Constant ◽  
Vanessa Wright ◽  
Chelsea Morroni ◽  
Alex Müller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Contraceptive Methods ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Body Mapping ◽  
Reproductive Anatomy ◽  
Contraceptive Prevalence

Abstract Background In recent decades there have been great improvements in the reproductive health of women in low- and middle-income countries and increases in the use of modern contraceptive methods. Nonetheless, many women are not able to access information, contraceptive technologies and services that could facilitate preventing unintended pregnancies and planning the number and timing of desired pregnancies. In South Africa, the contraceptive prevalence rate is 64.6%. However, this relatively high contraceptive prevalence rate masks problems with quality contraceptive service delivery, equitable access, and women’s ability to correctly and consistently, use contraceptive methods of their choice. This study set out to understand the specific family planning and contraceptive needs and behaviours of women of reproductive age in South Africa, through a lived experience, multisensory approach. Methods Participatory qualitative research methods were used including body mapping workshops amongst reproductive aged women recruited from urban and peri urban areas in the Western Cape South Africa. Data including body map images were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Women had limited biomedical knowledge of the female reproductive anatomy, conception, fertility and how contraceptives worked, compounded by a lack of contraceptive counseling and support from health care providers. Women’s preferences for different contraceptive methods were not based on a single, sensory or experiential factor. Rather, they were made up of a composite of sensory, physical, social and emotional experiences underscored by potential for threats to bodily harm. Conclusions This study highlighted the need to address communication and knowledge gaps around the female reproductive anatomy, different contraceptive methods and how contraception works to prevent a pregnancy. Women, including younger women, identified sexual and reproductive health knowledge gaps themselves and identified these gaps as important factors that influenced uptake and effective contraceptive use. These knowledge gaps were overwhelmingly linked to poor or absent communication and counseling provided by health care providers. Body mapping techniques could be used in education and communication strategies around sexual and reproductive health programmes in diverse settings.

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