Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Alberta, Canada.
Reprod Health
; 20(1): 172, 2023 Nov 22.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37990327
Access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is a basic human right. All individuals require access to appropriate SRH services to maintain their optimal sexual and reproductive health. Adolescents require special guidance, support, and youth-friendly services in matters of SRH as they enter puberty and explore their sexual identity. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many health and SRH services were suspended. Access to SRH products and services became difficult due to public health restrictions, which has possible negative consequences for adolescents' SRH. The experiences of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding their SRH are not reported in Alberta, Canada. Therefore, we explored the impacts of these public health restrictions on adolescents' SRH. We performed qualitative interviews with adolescents and SRH service providers to know their perspectives on how the pandemic influenced the SRH of adolescents. This paper provides insights into the barriers faced by adolescents while accessing SRH services during the pandemic, as well as their perceptions of digital strategies, such as mobile applications, and other recommendations for supporting SRH education and services. Based on the study findings, an adolescent-friendly mobile application will be developed to provide a virtual platform connecting adolescents to SRH educational resources, services, and support.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva
/
COVID-19
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Reprod Health
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá