Elizabeth Sturgiss1, Garang M Dut2, Sethunya Matenge3, Jane Desborough4, Sally Hall Dykgraaf5, Danielle Mazza6, Michael Kidd7. 1. FRACGP, PhD, BMed, MPH, MForensMed, FHEA, Senior Research Fellow, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 2. MD, MPH, MBA, Action Research, COVID-19 Primary Care Response Group (seconded), Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra, ACT; Fellow in Health Systems, College of Health @ Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT. 3. MPH, Research Fellow, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT. 4. RN, RM, MPH, PhD, Action Research, COVID-19 Primary Care Response Group (seconded), Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health, ACT; Senior Research Fellow, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, ACT. 5. RN, Grad Cert Clin Man, PhD Scholar, Action Research, COVID-19 Primary Care Response Group (seconded), Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health, ACT; Research Manager, Rural Clinical School, ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, ACT. 6. MD, MBBS, FRACGP, Grad Dip Women@s Health, Head, Department of General Practice, Monash University, Vic; Director, SPHERE (NHMRC Centre of Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care), Department of General Practice, Monash University, Vic. 7. AM, MD, FAHMS, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor, Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra, ACT; Professor of Primary Care Reform, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.
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. METHOD: 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.
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. METHOD: 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.