Contraceptive use and pregnancy plans among women of reproductive age during the first Australian COVID-19 lockdown: findings from an online survey.
Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care
; 26(4): 265-271, 2021 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1091337
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Australia introduced 'lockdown' measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020 which continued for a period of two months. We aimed to investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
Australians aged 18+ were eligible to participate in an online survey from 23 April to 11 May 2020. We report on the experiences of 518 female participants aged <50 years. Pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use were analysed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate difficulty accessing SRH products and services. Qualitative data were analysed using conventional content analysis.RESULTS:
Most participants were aged 18-24 years, and indicated they were trying to avoid pregnancy. The oral contraceptive pill was the most common single method used however nearly 20% reported they were not using contraception. Women who were employed had less trouble accessing contraception during lockdown. Participants reported delaying childbearing or deciding to remain childfree due to COVID-19.CONCLUSION:
COVID-19 lockdown impacted the SRH of Australian women. Findings highlight the importance of continued access to SRH services and products during global emergencies.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Communicable Disease Control
/
Contraception
/
Contraception Behavior
/
Reproductive Health Services
/
COVID-19
/
Health Services Accessibility
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Pregnancy
Country/Region as subject:
Oceania
Language:
English
Journal:
Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care
Journal subject:
Reproductive Medicine
/
Family Planning Services
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
13625187.2021.1884221
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