COVID-19 and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for young people: An overview of the international literature and policy

Elizabeth Sturgiss; Garang M. Dut; Sethunya Matenge; Jane Desborough; Sally Hall Dykgraaf; Danielle Mazza; Michael Kidd

doi:10.31128/AJGP-10-21-6206

COVID-19 and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for young people: An overview of the international literature and policy

Elizabeth Sturgiss
, Garang M. Dut
, Sethunya Matenge
, Jane Desborough
, Sally Hall Dykgraaf
, Danielle Mazza
, Michael Kidd

College of Medicine and Public Health

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the ability of young people to access appropriate and timely sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH). The aim of this study was to summarise international innovations aimed at ensuring ongoing access.

Methods

This study was an overview of peer-reviewed literature and policy statements from international and national organisations related to SRH for young people during COVID-19.

Results

Innovations have focused on improving access to appropriate and timely SRH for young people, mostly through telehealth; increasing community and healthcare worker awareness of the heightened risk of gender-based violence and its consequences; and removing restrictions on contraception and abortion access. Despite this, a substantial decline in sexual wellbeing and SRH access has been reported from many parts of the world, although Australian data are lacking.

Discussion

Support for young people to access timely and appropriate SRH during the COVID-19 pandemic should be a priority for policymakers around the world.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	271-277
Number of pages	7
Journal	Australian Journal of General Practice
Volume	51
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-10-21-6206
Publication status	Published - Apr 2022

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 5 Gender Equality
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

Sexual health
Reproductive health
Access
Health care delivery
COVID-19

Access to Document

10.31128/AJGP-10-21-6206Licence: In Copyright

Cite this

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abstract = "Background and objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the ability of young people to access appropriate and timely sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH). The aim of this study was to summarise international innovations aimed at ensuring ongoing access. Methods This study was an overview of peer-reviewed literature and policy statements from international and national organisations related to SRH for young people during COVID-19. ResultsInnovations have focused on improving access to appropriate and timely SRH for young people, mostly through telehealth; increasing community and healthcare worker awareness of the heightened risk of gender-based violence and its consequences; and removing restrictions on contraception and abortion access. Despite this, a substantial decline in sexual wellbeing and SRH access has been reported from many parts of the world, although Australian data are lacking. Discussion Support for young people to access timely and appropriate SRH during the COVID-19 pandemic should be a priority for policymakers around the world.",

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T2 - An overview of the international literature and policy

AU - Sturgiss, Elizabeth

AU - Dut, Garang M.

AU - Matenge, Sethunya

AU - Desborough, Jane

AU - Dykgraaf, Sally Hall

AU - Mazza, Danielle

AU - Kidd, Michael

PY - 2022/4

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AB - Background and objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the ability of young people to access appropriate and timely sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH). The aim of this study was to summarise international innovations aimed at ensuring ongoing access. Methods This study was an overview of peer-reviewed literature and policy statements from international and national organisations related to SRH for young people during COVID-19. ResultsInnovations have focused on improving access to appropriate and timely SRH for young people, mostly through telehealth; increasing community and healthcare worker awareness of the heightened risk of gender-based violence and its consequences; and removing restrictions on contraception and abortion access. Despite this, a substantial decline in sexual wellbeing and SRH access has been reported from many parts of the world, although Australian data are lacking. Discussion Support for young people to access timely and appropriate SRH during the COVID-19 pandemic should be a priority for policymakers around the world.

KW - Sexual health

KW - Reproductive health

KW - Access

KW - Health care delivery

KW - COVID-19

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COVID-19 and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for young people: An overview of the international literature and policy

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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