Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy and fertility preferences among the residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
J Glob Health
; 14: 05002, 2024 Feb 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38330200
ABSTRACT
Background:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) significantly impacted the lifestyles of millions of people, with new challenges arising as the pandemic progresses. However, little attention has been given to issues like fertility intentions and pregnancy planning during COVID-19. Consequently, we aimed to investigate the influence of the pandemic on pregnancy and fertility decisions among the residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods:
We surveyed UAE residents of reproductive age between November 2021 to June 2022 via the Google Forms platform and collected data on demographics, associated health conditions, COVID-19 infections, as well as plans for pregnancy and fertility intentions. We presented data through descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and used Pearson's χ2 test to compare the characteristics of participants who reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced their fertility preferences with those who reported that it had not.Results:
Overall, 564 participants completed the survey, of whom 115 (20.4%) stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had influenced their fertility preferences. Meanwhile, 234 (41.5%) reported previous history of COVID-19 infection; regarding post-COVID-19 infection symptoms, 53 (22.6%) reported decreased libido and 40 (17%) reported trouble in conceiving a baby. Participants who were ≤30 years of age were less likely to be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic on their decision on fertility compared to those >30 years of age. Factors like education, income, chronic health conditions, and previous history of COVID-19 infection or vaccination did not have any significant effect on the COVID-19 pandemic influence on fertility preferences.Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought in new challenges which could affect fertility and this needs to be studied further for planning effective measures.
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Pandemias
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Pregnancy
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Glob Health
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Emiratos Árabes Unidos