COVID-19 anxiety and access to reproductive health services

Aims: Access to healthcare services has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine women’s access to reproductive health services (RHS), reasons, and their relationship with COVID-19 anxiety. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data were collected from 345 women (≥18 years) using an online form via Google Forms, including an individual data form and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. Sample size was calculated with the Sample Size Calculator by Raosoft, with a 95% confidence, 5% deviation, as 385 using an interval and an unknown population. However study results present data from 345 voluntary women. Results: Mean age was 29.95±9.35, Turkiye (88.1%), married (51.0%), with bachelor's (47.5%), student (34.2%), insured (80.6%), income equal to expenses (51.3%), and experienced COVID-19 (53.9%). The majority (45.8%) were neutral about sexuality, 42% found it important. Some stated sexual desire remained same (72.8%) during lockdown decreased (20.9%). Nearly half (49.6%) had no sexual intercourse during this period. Condoms were the preferred method before and after COVID-19. Lockdown, no access to public hospital appointments, expensive private hospital costs, and condom prices were listed as barriers. As a result, 13 reported unintended pregnancy, 5 abortions, and 12 spontaneous miscarriages. The most needed methods were condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, and monthly injections. COVID-19 anxiety and difficulty in RHS access were similar. Unplanned pregnancy and no interest in sexuality experience significantly more problems in family planning services. However, COVID-19 anxiety levels were similar (p>0.05). Conclusion: Findings indicate RPH should be a priority in pandemics and other crises. Facilitating access to methods is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies and abortions, as well as sexually transmitted infections.