Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic upon Iraqi women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health at Primary Health Care Centers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22317/jcms.v9i4.1395Keywords:
Women, Sexual Health, COVID-19, Domestic ViolenceAbstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual and reproductive well-being of women.
Methods: Employing a descriptive design with a correlational approach, the study was conducted between November 2021 and July 2022. The sample consisted of (180) women within the reproductive age range of 17 to 49 years. This non-probability 'purposive sample' was chosen deliberately. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and correlational statistics.
Results: The investigation divulged significant findings. A considerable proportion of women (55.6%) reported being unable to access contraception during the pandemic. Moreover, (45%) experienced unintended pregnancies amid the pandemic. Additionally, concerns linked to the pandemic led to a lack of follow-up visits for (73.3%) of participants. The study also highlighted the distressing issue of domestic violence during COVID-19: Over half of the women (51.1%) reported exposure to domestic violence, attributing it to prolonged periods of their husbands staying at home. Furthermore, (51.7%) noted an escalation in domestic violence, and (38.3%) revealed that their husbands showed inadequate concern for their sexual well-being.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic detrimentally affected the sexual and reproductive health of women, manifested through challenges encountered during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum phases, and family planning. Furthermore, a significant proportion of women faced an increased risk of domestic violence due to the pandemic and the extended presence of their husbands at home.
References
Khaleghinezhad K & et al., Evaluation of reproductive health status among women referring to rural healthcare centers in Neyshabur (Iran) in 2017. available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5984018/
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