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Adelekan B, Ikuteyijo L, Goldson E, Abubakar Z, Adepoju O, Oyedun O, Adebayo G, Dasogot A, Mueller U, Fatusi AO. When one door closes: a qualitative exploration of women's experiences of access to sexual and reproductive health services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1124. [PMID: 38654297 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15848-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic widely disrupted health services provision, especially during the lockdown period, with females disproportionately affected. Very little is known about alternative healthcare sources used by women when access to conventional health services became challenging. This study examined the experiences of women and adolescent girls regarding access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria and their choices of alternative healthcare sources. METHODS The study sites were two northern states, two southern states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Qualitative data were obtained through 10 focus group discussion sessions held with married adolescents, unmarried adolescents, and older women of reproductive age. The data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach and with the aid of Atlas ti software. RESULTS Women reported that access to family planning services was the most affected SRH services during the COVID-19 lockdown. Several barriers to accessing SRH services during COVID-19 lockdown were reported, including restriction of vehicular movement, harassment by law enforcement officers, fear of contracting COVID-19 from health facilities, and fear of undergoing compulsory COVID-19 tests when seeking care in health facilities. In the face of constrained access to SRH services in public sector facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown, women sought care from several alternative sources, mostly locally available and informal services, including medicine vendors, traditional birth attendants, and neighbours with some health experience. Women also widely engaged in self-medication, using both orthodox drugs and non-orthodox preparations like herbs. The lockdown negatively impacted on women's SRH, with increased incidence of sexual- and gender-based violence, unplanned pregnancy resulting from lack of access to contraceptives, and early marriage involving adolescents with unplanned pregnancies. CONCLUSION COVID-19 negatively impacted access to SRH services and forced women to utilise mostly informal service outlets and home remedies as alternatives to conventional health services. There is a need to ensure the continuity of essential SRH services during future lockdowns occasioned by disease outbreaks. Also, community systems strengthening that ensures effective community-based health services, empowered community resource persons, and health-literate populations are imperative for overcoming barriers to healthcare access during future lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lanre Ikuteyijo
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Erika Goldson
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Zubaida Abubakar
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Olaitan Oyedun
- Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Andat Dasogot
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ulla Mueller
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Office, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Adesegun O Fatusi
- Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
- Centre for Adolescent Health and Development, School of Public Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria.
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
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Vandermorris A, Toulany A, McKinnon B, Tam MW, Li Z, Guan J, Stukel T, Fu L, Wang X, Begun S, Harrison ME, Wigle J, Brown HK. Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes Among Adolescent Females During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063889. [PMID: 38303635 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed a significant threat to adolescents' sexual and reproductive health. In this study, we examined population-level pregnancy and sexual health-related care utilization among adolescent females in Ontario, Canada during the pandemic and evaluated relationships between these outcomes and key sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS This was a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study of >630 000 female adolescents (12-19 years) during the prepandemic (January 1, 2018-February 29, 2020) and COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020-December 31, 2022) periods. Primary outcome was pregnancy; secondary outcomes were contraceptive management visits, contraception prescription uptake, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) management visits. Poisson models with generalized estimating equations for clustered count data were used to model pre-COVID-19 trends and forecast expected rates during the COVID-19 period. Absolute rate differences between observed and expected outcome rates for each pandemic month were calculated overall and by urbanicity, neighborhood income, immigration status, and region. RESULTS During the pandemic, lower-than-expected population-level rates of adolescent pregnancy (rate ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.85-0.88), and encounters for contraceptive (rate ratio 0.82; 95% CI:0.77-0.88) and STI management (rate ratio 0.52; 95% CI:0.51-0.53) were observed. Encounter rates did not return to pre-pandemic rates by study period end, despite health system reopening. Pregnancy rates among adolescent subpopulations with the highest pre-pandemic pregnancy rates changed least during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Population-level rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexual health-related care utilization were lower than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and below-expected care utilization rates persist. Pregnancy rates among more structurally vulnerable adolescents demonstrated less decline, suggesting exacerbation of preexisting inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alene Toulany
- The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Michelle W Tam
- The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontaria, Canada
| | - Zhiyin Li
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Guan
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thérèse Stukel
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Longdi Fu
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Hilary K Brown
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Jewell M, Jampel SM, Casagrande MG, Ásbjörnsdóttir K, Littman AJ. Self-reported condom use among Washington State residents prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis of BRFSS data. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075877. [PMID: 38128941 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 significantly impacted healthcare access and sexual behaviour, but little is known about how COVID-19 affected condom use. This study aimed to investigate whether self-reported condom use and sex in Washington State changed during pandemic restrictions compared with prepandemic. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. SETTING Washington State. PARTICIPANTS 11 684 participants aged 18-65. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was changes in the prevalence of condom use by time of interview pre-COVID-19, before the Washington State lockdown (1 January 2019 to 23 March 2020, n=7708) and during COVID-19, after the first state lockdown (24 March 2020 to 31 December 2020, n=3976). The secondary outcome was changes in the prevalence of reported sex during the same periods. We assessed whether associations differed by rurality and HIV risk behaviour. RESULTS Condom use was similar during COVID-19 (37.3%) compared with pre-COVID-19 (37.8%) (adjusted prevalence ratio (PR): 0.98, 95% CI 0.89, 1.01). Associations did not differ by rurality or HIV risk behaviour. Compared with pre-COVID-19 (83.0%), a smaller proportion of respondents reported having sex in the last 12 months during COVID-19 (80.5%), a relative decrease of 3% (PR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.96, 0.99; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of reported sex declined during COVID-19, but condom use remained steady in Washington. As our reproductive health system faces increased challenges, these results may inform future sexual health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jewell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sonya M Jampel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mary Grace Casagrande
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kristjana Ásbjörnsdóttir
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Alyson J Littman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Mitchell KR, Willis M, Dema E, Baxter AJ, Connolly A, Riddell J, Bosó Pérez R, Clifton S, Gibbs J, Tanton C, Geary R, Ratna N, Mohammed H, Unemo M, Bonell C, Copas A, Sonnenberg P, Mercer CH, Field N. Sexual and reproductive health in Britain during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional population survey (Natsal-COVID-Wave 2) and national surveillance data. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:386-397. [PMID: 36973042 PMCID: PMC10447381 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess sexual behaviour, and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, after 1 year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Britain. METHODS 6658 participants aged 18-59 and resident in Britain completed a cross-sectional web-panel survey (Natsal-COVID-Wave 2, March-April 2021), 1 year after the first lockdown. Natsal-COVID-2 follows the Natsal-COVID-Wave 1 survey (July-August 2020) which captured impacts in the initial months. Quota-based sampling and weighting resulted in a quasi-representative population sample. Data were contextualised with reference to the most recent probability sample population data (Natsal-3; collected 2010-12; 15 162 participants aged 16-74) and national surveillance data on recorded sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, conceptions, and abortions in England/Wales (2010-2020). The main outcomes were: sexual behaviour; SRH service use; pregnancy, abortion and fertility management; sexual dissatisfaction, distress and difficulties. RESULTS In the year from the first lockdown, over two-thirds of participants reported one or more sexual partners (women 71.8%; men 69.9%), while fewer than 20.0% reported a new partner (women 10.4%; men 16.8%). Median occasions of sex per month was two. Compared with 2010-12 (Natsal-3), we found less sexual risk behaviour (lower reporting of multiple partners, new partners, and new condomless partners), including among younger participants and those reporting same-sex behaviour. One in 10 women reported a pregnancy; pregnancies were fewer than in 2010-12 and less likely to be scored as unplanned. 19.3% of women and 22.8% of men were distressed or worried about their sex life, significantly more than in 2010-12. Compared with surveillance trends from 2010 to 2019, we found lower than expected use of STI-related services and HIV testing, lower levels of chlamydia testing, and fewer conceptions and abortions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent with significant changes in sexual behaviour, SRH, and service uptake in the year following the first lockdown in Britain. These data are foundational to SRH recovery and policy planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin R Mitchell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Malachi Willis
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emily Dema
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Baxter
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anne Connolly
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- NatCen Social Research, London, UK
| | - Julie Riddell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Raquel Bosó Pérez
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Soazig Clifton
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- NatCen Social Research, London, UK
| | - Jo Gibbs
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Clare Tanton
- Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Natasha Ratna
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Magnus Unemo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Christopher Bonell
- Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Copas
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Pam Sonnenberg
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Nigel Field
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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Hensel DJ, Mark KP, Abdelhamed A, Burns S, Esho T, Hendriks J, Jobim Fischer V, Ivanova O, Marks M, Michelsen K, Nimby F, Strizzi J, Tucker J, Uhlich M, Erausquin JT. Changes in Solo and Partnered Sexual Behaviors following the First COVID-19 Wave: Data from an International Study of 26 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:459-480. [PMID: 38601728 PMCID: PMC10903556 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2224777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective To determine individual- and country-level factors associated with self-reported changes in solo and partnered sexual behaviors in an international sample of adults during COVID-19. Methods Data were from the International Sexual Health And REproductive Health during COVID-19 study (I-SHARE)-a cross-sectional, multi-country study (N = 26 countries) assessing adult (N = 19,654) sexual/reproductive health before and during the first wave of COVID-19. We examined self-reported changes (three-point scale: decreased, no change, increased) in solo masturbation, hugging/holding hands/cuddling with a partner, sex with a primary partner, sex with a casual partner, sexting with a partner, viewing sexually explicit media and partnered cybersex. Ordinal regression assessed the impact of individual (age, gender- and sexual-identity, romantic partnership status, employment and income stability, household change and content, mental well-being, changes in alcohol use, and changes in marijuana use) and country-level (e.g., Oxford Stringency Index, Human Development Index, and the Palma Ratio) factors on behavior change. Results The most common behavior to increase was hugging, kissing, or cuddling with a partner (21.5%), and the most common behavior to decrease was sex with a main partner (36.7%). Household factors like job/income instability and having children over the age of 12 years were significantly associated with decreased affectionate and sexual partnered sexual behaviors; more frequent substance use was linked to significantly increased solo, partnered, and virtual sexual behaviors. Conclusions Understanding changes in sexual behaviors-as well as the factors that make changes more or less likely among adults around the world-are important to ensure adequate sexual health support development for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon J. Hensel
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristen P. Mark
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amr Abdelhamed
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Sharyn Burns
- Discipline of Health Promotion & Sexology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline Hendriks
- Discipline of Health Promotion & Sexology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Vinicius Jobim Fischer
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Olena Ivanova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kristien Michelsen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fillipo Nimby
- Foundation for Professional Development, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Strizzi
- Centre for Medical Science and Technology Studies, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joe Tucker
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Brody C, Harrison N, Yi S. Income loss and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic among female entertainment workers in Cambodia: a cross-sectional phone survey. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:281. [PMID: 36755266 PMCID: PMC9905764 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15044-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cambodia, female entertainment workers (FEWs) are disproportionately affected by global and local disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government imposed tight restrictions, including closures of entertainment venues, such as karaoke bars, beer gardens, nightclubs, or massage parlors, leading FEWs to face economic and social disruptions. This study aims to assess the relationship between income loss during the pandemic and gender-based violence (GBV) among FEWs in Cambodia to inform future disaster response programs. METHODS We conducted a phone survey in August 2021 with 369 randomly sampled FEWs from a national organization's email list. We used a structured questionnaire to ask the participants about job and income loss, food security, mental health, access to health services, and GBV. We fit a linear regression model to examine the differences in GBV experience between FEWs who lost all their income and those who lost partial income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key covariables comprised the number of dependents, smartphone ownership, internet access, food security, and mental health. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS The mean age (31.6 vs. 30.6), years of formal education (6.3 vs. 6.3), marital status (24.2 vs. 23.8 never married), and the number of children (1.3 vs. 1.1) of women reporting having lost all income were not significantly different from those who experienced partial income loss. Overall, GBV experiences were significantly higher in FEWs who lost all income than in those who lost partial income (62.9% vs. 47.4%, p = 0.03). Controlling for the number of dependents, smartphone ownership, and food security, the adjusted odds ratio for GBV was significant in the adjusted model (AOR = 1.23 (1.08-1.40), p = 0.001) indicating that those who experienced total income loss were more likely to experience GBV than those who experienced partial income loss. In addition, they were significantly less likely to be food secure (p = 0.04), less likely to own a smartphone (p = 0.02), and had more dependents (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Disaster response programs should consider the implications of safety measures and government support for both formal and informal workers regarding safety, food access, and mental health support. Food assistance programs should target the most vulnerable informal sector workers during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carinne Brody
- College of Education and Health Sciences, Public Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, USA.
| | - Natasha Harrison
- grid.47840.3f0000 0001 2181 7878School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Siyan Yi
- grid.265117.60000 0004 0623 6962College of Education and Health Sciences, Public Health Program, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA USA ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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7
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Fischer VJ, Bravo RG, Brunnet AE, Michielsen K, Tucker JD, Campbell L, Vögele C. Sexual satisfaction and sexual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the International Sexual Health And REproductive (I-SHARE) health survey in Luxembourg. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1108. [PMID: 35658847 PMCID: PMC9163902 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify the impact of COVID-19 measures on sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction in Luxembourg residents. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of adults (> 18 years of age) residing in Luxembourg, while COVID-19 restrictions were in place. The survey was available from January 15 to February 12, 2021 in four languages (French, German, English and Portuguese). Survey questions focused on masturbation, cuddling, condom use, sex frequency, sexting, cybersex, watching porn, and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS 557 volunteers completed the survey (35.5% men, 64.3% women). Sexual satisfaction and sexual problems variables were assessed on 4-point Likert scales (0 = not at all/never to 3 = very/often). Sexual problems increased during the COVID-19 measures while sexual satisfaction decreased compared to before the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions (assessed retrospectively). Factors associated with increased odds of sexual satisfaction included having a steady relationship before COVID-19 restrictions, engaging in sexting, reporting good mental health and not altering alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS The context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented in Luxembourg affected sexual behaviors and sexual satisfaction. Sexual and reproductive health care centers and health professionals in general should take these results into consideration when providing care. Recommendations on the importance of sexual health for general wellbeing and behaviors associated with sexual satisfaction should be offered and possibilities to experience sexuality while reducing contamination risks be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Jobim Fischer
- Research Group Self-Regulation and Health, Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Raquel Gómez Bravo
- Research Group Self-Regulation and Health, Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alice Einloft Brunnet
- Laboratoire Clinique Psychanalyse Développement (CLIPSYD - EA4430), University of Paris Nanterre, Paris, France
| | - Kristien Michielsen
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Linda Campbell
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Claus Vögele
- Research Group Self-Regulation and Health, Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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8
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Campbell LS, Masquillier C, Knight L, Delport A, Sematlane N, Dube LT, Wouters E. Stay-at-Home: The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Household Functioning and ART Adherence for People Living with HIV in Three Sub-districts of Cape Town, South Africa. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1905-1922. [PMID: 34977957 PMCID: PMC8720535 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03541-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In March 2020, the South African government imposed a lockdown to control COVID-19 transmission. Lockdown may affect people living with HIV’s (PLWH) antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Data from a cluster randomised control trial was collected from 152 PLWH in Cape Town sub-districts from October 2019–March 2020 when the lockdown halted collection. Subsequently, 83 PLWH were followed-up in June–July 2020. Random effects models were used to analyse: (1) changes between baseline and follow-up and (2) correlates of adherence during lockdown. At follow-up, there was an increase in the odds of being below the poverty line and the odds of experiencing violence decreased. Measures for well-being, household functioning, stigma and HIV competency improved. Violence, depression, food insecurity, and stigma were associated with poorer ART adherence; higher well-being scores were associated with better adherence. During lockdown, governments need to ensure financial support, access to (mental) health services, and services for those experiencing violence. Clinical Trial Number: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201906476052236. Registered on 24 June 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S. Campbell
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Caroline Masquillier
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Lucia Knight
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anton Delport
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Neo Sematlane
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lorraine Tanyaradzwa Dube
- School of Public Health, Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edwin Wouters
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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9
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Napuri NI, Curcio D, Swerdlow DL, Srivastava A. Immune Response to COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccination in Immunocompromised Individuals: A Narrative Review. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:1391-1414. [PMID: 35614299 PMCID: PMC9132351 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunocompromised individuals are at high risk of poor coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes and demonstrate a lower immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, including to the novel mRNA vaccines that have been shown to elicit high neutralizing antibody levels. This review synthesized available data on the immune response to COVID-19 and critically assessed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity in this vulnerable subpopulation. Patients with various immunocompromising conditions exhibit diverse responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 severity and mortality, and available vaccines elicit lower immune responses, particularly in solid organ transplant recipients. Strategies to improve vaccine responses in immunocompromised individuals are being implemented in vaccine recommendations, including the use of a third and fourth vaccine dose beyond the two-dose series. Additional doses may enhance vaccine effectiveness and help provide broad coverage against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Continued investigation of vaccines and dosing regimens will help refine approaches to help protect this vulnerable subpopulation from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amit Srivastava
- Vaccines, Medical Development, Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, 300 Technology Square, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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