Salud sexual y reproductiva en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: Situación y respuesta: Actualización 2022 / Sexual and reproductive health in the City of Buenos Aires: Situation and response 2022

Esta 5ª actualización del informe sistematiza la información que se viene produciendo a través de las acciones de monitoreo iniciadas en 2016 e incorpora aquella referida al año 2022. Se entiende que las acciones de monitoreo y evaluación son valiosas para cinco objetivos complementarios, que son: a. disponer de un basamento para la planificación de las necesidades de insumos (estimar necesidades de compras); b. identificar las mejoras/cambios de escenario que se van produciendo con el trabajo cotidiano y las nuevas necesidades o desafíos que van surgiendo; c. planificar acciones novedosas basadas en diagnósticos afinados; d. valorizar y visibilizar el trabajo que realizan los equipos todos los días en los establecimientos públicos de salud donde se brinda respuesta a la población y e. producir información de utilidad tanto para los actores del subsistema público de salud como para otros actores interesados en la temática. (AU)

Salud sexual y reproductiva en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: Situación y respuesta: Actualización 2021 / Sexual and reproductive health in the City of Buenos Aires: Situation and response: 2021

Para esta edición del informe, se realizó un corte de los indicadores que permitan detenerse en el período 2016-2021, con la intención de recuperar el significado del trabajo de monitoreo y evaluación, al que se entiende con cuatro objetivos o sentidos complementarios: a. facilitar la toma de decisiones para la planificación de actividades y estimación de insumos con sustento; b. visibilizar y valorar el trabajo cotidiano de los equipos; c. evaluar cada cierto tiempo en qué medida el accionar permanente del trabajo ha generado cambios en la realidad y la necesidad de producir cambios donde fuera preciso; y d. brindar una herramienta que se confía sea de utilidad para los diferentes actores estatales y de la sociedad civil involucrados e interesados en conocer los logros y desafíos de la política. (AU)

Achieving universal reproductive health coverage for deaf women in Ghana: an explanatory study of knowledge of contraceptive methods, pregnancy and safe abortion practices.

BACKGROUND: The first world conference on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in 1994 helped create the awareness that reproductive health is a human right. Over the years, attempts have been made to extend services to all persons; however, lapses persist in service provision for all in need. Recently, countries have been encouraged to target minority groups in their reproductive health service provision. However, studies have rarely attempted to develop deeper insights into the experiences of deaf men and women regarding their knowledge of SRH. The purpose of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the knowledge of deaf persons regarding services such as knowledge of contraceptive methods, pregnancy and safe abortion practices. METHODS: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was adopted for this study. In the first quantitative phase, 288 deaf persons recruited from three out of the 16 regions in Ghana participated in this study. They completed a 31-item questionnaire on the main issues (knowledge of contraceptive methods, pregnancy and safe abortion practices) addressed in this study. In the second phase, a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 60 participants who took part in the first phase. The key trend emerging in the first phase underpinned the interview guide used for the data collection. While the quantitative data were subjected to the computation of means, t-tests, analyses of variance, correlations and linear regressions to understand the predictors, the in-depth interviews were analysed using the thematic method of analysis. RESULTS: The results showed a convergence between the quantitative and qualitative data. For instance, the interview material supported the initial findings that deaf women had little knowledge of contraceptive methods. The participants offered reasons explaining their inability to access services and the role of religion in their understanding of SRH. CONCLUSION: The study concludes by calling on policymakers to consider the needs of deaf persons in future SRH policies. The study limitations and other implications for future policymaking are discussed.

Initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive health service use and unmet need in Britain: findings from a quasi-representative survey (Natsal-COVID).

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service use and unmet need, but the impact is unknown. We aimed to determine the proportion of participants reporting sexual risk behaviours, SRH service use and unmet need, and to assess remote sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing service use after the first national lockdown in Britain. METHODS: We used data from the National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal)-COVID cross-sectional, quasi-representative web survey (Natsal-COVID Wave 1). Adults aged 18-59 years who resided in England, Scotland, or Wales completed the survey between July 29 and Aug 10, 2020, which included questions about the approximate 4-month period after announcement of the initial lockdown in Britain (March 23, 2020). Quota-based sampling and weighting were used to achieve a quasi-representative population sample. Participants aged 45-59 years were excluded from services analysis due to low rates of SRH service use. Among individuals aged 18-44 years, we estimated reported SRH service use and inability to access, and calculated age-adjusted odds ratios (aORs) among sexually experienced individuals (those reporting any sexual partner in their lifetime) and sexually active individuals (those reporting any sexual partner in the past year). Unweighted denominators and weighted estimates are presented hereafter. FINDINGS: 6654 individuals had complete interviews and were included in the analysis. Among 3758 participants aged 18-44 years, 82·0% reported being sexually experienced, and 73·7% reported being sexually active. 20·8% of sexually experienced participants aged 18-44 years reported using SRH services in the 4-month period. Overall, 9·7% of 3108 participants (9·5% of men; 9·9% of women) reported being unable to use a service they needed, although of the participants who reported trying but not being able to use a SRH service at least once, 76·4% of participants also reported an instance of successful use. 5·9% of 1221 sexually active men and 3·6% of 1560 sexually active women reported use of STI-related services and 14·8% of 1728 sexually experienced women reported use of contraceptive services, with SRH service use highest among individuals aged 18-24 years. Sexually active participants reporting condomless sex with new partners since lockdown were much more likely to report using STI-related services than those who did not report condomless sex (aOR 23·8 [95% CI 11·6-48·9]) for men, 10·5 [3·9-28·2] for women) and, among men, were also more likely to have an unsuccessful attempt at STI-service use (aOR 13·3 [5·3-32·9]). Among 106 individuals who reported using STI testing services, 64·4% accessed services remotely (telephone, video, or online). Among 2581 women aged 25-59 years, 2·4% reported cervical screening compared with an estimated 6% in a comparable 4-month period before the pandemic. INTERPRETATION: Many people accessed SRH care during the initial lockdown; however, young people and those reporting sexual risk behaviours reported difficulties in accessing services and thus such services might need to address a backlog of need. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, The Economic and Social Research Council, The National Institute for Health Research, Medical Research Council/Chief Scientist Office and Public Health Sciences Unit, and UCL Coronavirus Response Fund.

Violence and sexual and reproductive health service disruption among girls and young women during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: A cross-sectional study using interactive voice response survey.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on girls and young women. The study examines the prevalence and correlates of violence and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service disruption among girls and young women during COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown. METHODS: An interactive voice response survey was conducted among girls and women aged 18-24 years between 10th March to 24th April 2021. The survey enrolled 1314 participants. Descriptive analysis was used to assess prevalence of violence and SRH service disruption. Two sampled test of proportion was used to asses difference in prevalence of violence before and after the pandemic. Logistic regression was used to examine relationship between the outcome variables and socio demographic predictors. RESULTS: The study did not find significant difference in prevalence of violence before and after the pandemic. Education was found to be protective against experience of both physical and sexual violence after the pandemic. Dalit participants were four times more likely to report physical violence after the pandemic than Brahmin/Chhetri participants (OR:3.80; CI:1.41-10.24). Participants from 22-24-year age group were twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to girls and participants from 18-21year age group (OR:2.25; CI:1.04-4.84). Participants from urban municipalities were 29% less likely to report SRH services disruption than participants from rural municipalities (OR-0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.91). Participants with disability were twice as likely to report disruption than participants without disability (OR-2.35, 95% CI: 1.45-3.82). CONCLUSIONS: To reduce violence against girls and women due to the pandemic, interventions should focus on Dalit women and on preventing education discontinuation among girls and women. SRH service during the pandemic needs to be improved for girls and women with focus on girls and women from rural municipalities and girls and women with disability.

Associations of serum estradiol level, serum estrogen receptor-alpha level, and estrogen receptor-alpha polymorphism with male infertility: A retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: Estradiol regulates spermatogenesis partly via estrogen receptor-alpha (ESRα). This study aimed to analyze the associations of serum estradiol level, serum ESRα level, and ESRα gene polymorphisms with sperm quality.This retrospective study included infertile men attending the Reproductive Center, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, and a control group without a history of fertility (October, 2016 to March, 2017). Data regarding sperm quality, serum levels of estradiol and ESRα, and rs2234693C/T genotype were extracted from the medical records. Pearson/Spearman correlations (as appropriate) between estradiol level, ESRα level, and sperm quality parameters were evaluated.The analysis included 215 men with infertility and 83 healthy controls. The infertile group had higher serum levels of estradiol (147.57 ±â€Š35.3 vs 129.62 ±â€Š49.11 pg/mL, P < .05) and ESRα (3.02 ±â€Š2.62 vs 1.33 ±â€Š0.56 pg/mL, P < .05) than the control group. For the infertile group, serum estradiol level was negatively correlated with sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile sperm, and percentage of sperm with normal morphology (r = 0.309, 0.211, and 0.246, respectively; all P < .05). Serum estradiol and ESRα levels were lower in infertile men with normozoospermia than in those with azoospermia, oligozoospermia, mild azoospermia, or malformed spermatozoa (all P < .05). Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile sperm, serum ESRα level, and serum estradiol level did not differ significantly among the rs2234693 CC, CT, and TT genotypes.Elevated serum levels of estradiol and possibly ESRα might have a negative impact on sperm quality and fertility, whereas single nucleotide polymorphisms at rs2234693 of the ESRα gene had little or no effect.

The hidden burden of adolescent pregnancies in rural Sri Lanka; findings of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent fertility is a main indicator of the Sustainable Developmental Goal (SGD) three. Although Sri Lanka is exemplary in maternal health, the utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) by adolescents is less documented. We describe the hidden burden, associated biological and psychosocial factors and utilization patterns of pre-conceptional services among pregnant adolescents in rural Sri Lanka. METHODS: The study is based on the baseline assessment of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Anuradhapura. Pregnant women newly registered from July to September 2019 were recruited to the study. The period of gestation was confirmed during the second follow-up visit (around 25-28 weeks of gestation) using ultra sound scan data. A history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, blood investigations were conducted. Mental health status was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: Baseline data on gestation was completed by 3,367 pregnant women. Of them, 254 (7.5%) were adolescent pregnancies. Among the primigravida mothers (n = 1037), 22.4% (n = 233) were adolescent pregnancies. Maternal and paternal low education level, being unmarried, and less time since marriage were statistically significant factors associated with adolescent pregnancies (p < 0.05). Contraceptive usage before pregnancy, utilization of pre-conceptional health care services, planning pregnancy and consuming folic acid was significantly low among adolescents (p < 0.001). They also had low body mass index (p < 0.001) and low hemoglobin levels (p = 0.03). Adolescent mothers were less happy of being pregnant (p = 0.006) and had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: One fifth of women in their first pregnancy in this study population are adolescents. Nulli-parous adolescents exert poor social stability and compromised physical and mental health effects. The underutilization and/or unavailability of SRH services is clearly associated with adolescent pregnancies.

Factors Influencing the Decision for Fresh vs Cryopreserved Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction for Non-Obstructive Azoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine reproductive urologists' (RU) practice patterns for microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) and factors associated with use of fresh vs frozen microTESE for non-obstructive azoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We electronically surveyed Society for Study of Male Reproduction members with a 21-item questionnaire. Our primary outcomes were to determine RU preference for fresh or frozen microTESE and to understand barriers to performing microTESE. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze categorical outcomes and candidate predictor variables. Firth logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors for preferring and performing fresh vs frozen microTESE. RESULTS: A total of 208 surveys were sent with 76 responses. Most (63.0%) primarily perform frozen microTESE for non-obstructive azoospermia, while 37.0% primarily perform fresh. However, in an ideal practice, 59.3% prefer fresh microTESE, 22.2% prefer frozen microTESE, and 18.5% had no preference. MicroTESE is performed most often (61.1%) at surgical centers not affiliated with a fertility practice. The most commonly reported barriers for both fresh and frozen microTESE are cost (42.6%), scheduling (33.3%), and andrologist unavailability (16.7%). There are no statistically significant differences between these barriers and performing fresh vs frozen microTESE. On multivariable analysis, reproductive endocrinology and infertility-based surgical center (OR 22.9; 95% CI 1.1-467.2; P = 0.04) and professional fee $2,500-$4,999 (OR 20.7; 95% CI 1.27-337.9; P = 0.03) are significant predictors of performing fresh microTESE. CONCLUSION: Frozen microTESE is performed more commonly than fresh, despite most RU preferring fresh microTESE in an ideal setting. Both fresh and frozen microTESE have a role in reproductive care. Barriers to performing fresh microTESE include cost, scheduling and andrologist availability.

Utilization and associated factors of reproductive health services among 20-39-year-old women in rural China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The use of reproductive health (RH) services is important to promote RH. However, little is known about RH services in rural areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries. China is the most populous country in the world, and 40.4% of its population is rural. Our study determined the utilization of and factors associated with RH services in rural China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 978 20- to 39-year-old women was performed in four villages of four cities in Hunan Province. A researcher-created structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were entered into EpiData v3.0 and analysed using SPSS v18.0. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided P-value of less than 0.05. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the socio-demographic factors and the use of RH services by the sample population. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors that correlated with the use of RH services. RESULTS: The top three services used were antenatal examinations (90.2%), postpartum visits (73.0%) and free folic acid supplements (71.6%). Age, monthly household income, employment, spousal education level, and artificial abortion history were associated with RH service utilization (P < 0.05). The most desired RH service was cervical/breast cancer prevention services (58.9%). The most preferred method participants used to obtain information on RH services was the internet. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization rate for RH services in rural China needs improvement. Future efforts should target high-risk populations of women by providing them with RH-related information and cultivating positive attitudes towards RH services.

Reproductive health (RH) services are recognized worldwide as a cost-effective strategy to promote RH. However, little is known about RH services in rural areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries. China is the most populous country in the world, and 40.4% of its population is rural. Due to the implementation of China's universal two-child policy, women between 20 and 39 years old are likely to experience more RH problems related to childbirth. Our study investigated the utilization of and factors associated with RH services in rural China. The top three services used among the 978 participants were antenatal examinations (90.2%), postpartum visits (73.0%) and free folic acid supplements (71.6%). Age, monthly household income, employment, spousal education level, and artificial abortion history were associated with RH service utilization. The participants most desired services pertained to the prevention of cervical/breast cancer, and the most preferred methods used to obtain information related to RH services was the internet.In conclusion, the utilization of RH services requires improvement, and future efforts should target high-risk populations of women by providing them with RH-related information and cultivating positive attitudes towards RH services.

Delivery channels and socioeconomic inequalities in coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions: analysis of 36 cross-sectional surveys in low-income and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Global reports have described inequalities in coverage of reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) interventions, but little is known about how socioeconomic inequality in intervention coverage varies across multiple low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to assess the association between wealth-related inequalities in coverage of RMNCH interventions. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we identified publicly available Demographic Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys from LMICs containing information on household characteristics, reproductive health, women's and children's health, nutrition, and mortality. We identified the most recent survey from the period 2010-19 for 36 countries that contained data for our preselected set of 18 RMNCH interventions. 21 countries also had information on two common malaria interventions. We classified interventions into four groups according to their predominant delivery channels: health facility based, community based, environmental, and culturally driven (including breastfeeding practices). Within each country, we derived wealth quintiles from information on household asset indices. We studied two summary measures of within-country wealth-related inequality: absolute inequalities (akin to coverage differences among children from wealthy and poor households) using the slope index of inequality (SII), and relative inequalities (akin to the ratio of coverage levels for wealthy and poor children) using the concentration index (CIX). Pro-poor inequalities are present when intervention coverage decreased with increasing household wealth, and pro-rich inequalities are present when intervention coverage increased as household wealth increased. FINDINGS: Across the 36 LMICs included in our analyses, coverage of most interventions had pro-rich patterns in most countries, except for two breastfeeding indicators that mostly had higher coverage among poor women, children and households than wealthy women, children, and households. Environmental interventions were the most unequal, particularly use of clean fuels, which had median levels of SII of 48·8 (8·6-85·7) and CIX of 67·0 (45·0-85·8). Interventions primarily delivered in health facilities-namely institutional childbirth (median SII 46·7 [23·1-63·3] and CIX 11·4 [4·5-23·4]) and antenatal care (median SII 26·7 [17·0-47·2] and CIX 10·0 [4·2-17·1])-also usually had pro-rich patterns. By comparison, primarily community-based interventions, including those against malaria, were more equitably distributed-eg, oral rehydration therapy (median SII 9·4 [2·9-19·0] and CIX 3·4 [1·3-25·0]) and polio immunisation (SII 12·1 [2·3-25·0] and CIX 3·1 [0·5-7·1]). Differences across the four types of delivery channels in terms of both inequality indices were significant (SII p=0·0052; CIX p=0·0048). INTERPRETATION: Interventions that are often delivered at community level are usually more equitably distributed than those primarily delivered in fixed facilities or those that require changes in the home environment. Policy makers need to learn from community delivery channels to promote more equitable access to all RMNCH interventions. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust. TRANSLATIONS: For the French, Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Utilization of a mobile phone application to increase access to sexual and reproductive health information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Innovations to increase access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, goods, and services are needed, particularly in low-income settings. This study assessed the utilization of a mobile phone application (MPA) to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from: (1) an endline survey performed as a consequence of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the effectiveness of the MPA, and (2) data from use of the MPA for accessing information, goods, and services over the 6-month time period of the RCT, obtained from in-MPA data collection service providers. We performed descriptive analysis of participant characteristics and their association with the utilization of the MPA using logistic regression; analyses of MPA use for accessing different types of information, goods, and services by gender; and analyses of functionality attributes of the MPA and related services. RESULTS: In the study population of young (median 22 years) predominantly female (61%) students, the utilization of the MPA by those who downloaded it was high (81% overall, 82% female, and 82% male). The most popular information portal was the frequently asked questions (71% utilization); the most popular goods were condoms for males (77% utilization) and sanitary pads for females (94% utilization); and the most popular service was HIV testing and counseling (60% utilization). The MPA demonstrated predominantly positive (responsiveness, non-distracting in-app advertisements, and ease of use) attributes. CONCLUSION: A mobile phone app to increase access to SRH information, goods, and services among university students in Uganda demonstrated high utilization. The results of this study support ongoing and future technical improvement efforts and research on effectiveness, economic efficiency, and scalability, along the continuum of activities to scale this intervention in order to improve SRH in low-income settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: MUREC1/7 No. 07/05-18. Registered; June 29, 2018.

Utilization of Reproductive Health Services and Associated Factors among Secondary School Students in Woldia Town, Northeast Ethiopia.

Background: Reproductive health is a universal concern but it has special importance for women particularly during the reproductive year. Although policy actions and strategic efforts made reproductive health service uptake of youths in Ethiopia, still its utilization remains low. Adolescence is not quite capable of understanding complex concepts. This makes them vulnerable to sexual exploitation and high-risk sexual behaviors and reproductive health problems. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the utilization of reproductive health services and associated factors among adolescents in Woldia town secondary schools, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: An institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 secondary school students in Woldia Town from January to June 2019. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The samples were distributed proportionally, and participants in each school were selected by the systematic sampling technique. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was carried out to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Result: Out of 420 students participated in this study, 270 (64.3%) of the respondents utilize reproductive health service. Residence (AOR = 4.40, 95%CI (1.23, 9.362)), educational status of the partner (AOR = 2.66, 95%CI (2.35, 5.24)), presence of RHS facility in school (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI (1.57, 4.06)), and good knowledge level on reproductive health services (AOR = 1.77, 95%CI (1.14, 2.75)) were significantly associated with reproductive health service utilization. Conclusion: and Recommendations. Knowledge of respondents on reproductive health utilization in the study area was found to be low. Students who were from rural families have low utilization of reproductive health services. This low service utilization in these students might be disposed to different reproductive health risks such as sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancy, which in turn can increase the school dropout rate and have an impact on an individual's future life. However, students who have good knowledge and were encouraged by their friends have good reproductive health service utilization. Therefore, it needs a great effort and attention of all concerned bodies including parents, school staff, and health professionals to improve service utilization in schools.

Assessment of access and utilization of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health services in western Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Despite Ethiopia's enormous effort in youth-friendly service provision, little was investigated about the challenges of accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Western Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess factors associated with the utilization of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health services in this area. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional quantitative method mixed with the qualitative inquiry was conducted among 771 adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 years from February 1 to 28, 2020. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested structured questionaries. Data were entered using EPI-INFO version 7.0 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were performed. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used and statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. The qualitative inquiry was collected through in-depth interviews with service providers, focus group discussions, and observation checklists of service units in the study facilities. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 18.99 years (SD ± 2.49). Two hundred seventeen (28.1%) of participants reported that they have ever heard about adolescents' and youth's reproductive health services. Only 66 (8.6%) have ever visited health facilities for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Factors associated with the utilization of sexual and reproductive health service were age from 15 to 19 years (AOR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.17, 0.76), history of having sexual intercourse(AOR = 5.34;95%CI: 2.53, 11.23), ever heard about sexual reproductive health service (AOR = 11.33; 95%CI: 5.59, 22.96), and visited a health facility for other health services (AOR = 5.12; 95%CI:1.72,15.24). CONCLUSION: Sexual and reproductive health service utilization among adolescents and youth was found to be low. The factors associated with adolescents and youth sexual and reproductive health services utilization were age, history of ever having sexual intercourse, ever heard about SRH services, and visit the health facility for other services. Therefore, it is better if the concerned bodies work on improving awareness of adolescents and youth towards SRH services and integrating these services into other routine services.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is showing its enormous effort to improve the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by adolescents and youths. But different factors are affecting it. This paper explains how many adolescents and youths are using sexual and reproductive health services and the factors affecting their utilization. METHODS: We interviewed 771 adolescents and youths aged 15 to 24 years in western Ethiopia. We asked them about the awareness and utilization of adolescents' and youths' sexual reproductive health services and the factors affecting their utilization. RESULTS: seven hundred seventy-one adolescents and youths were interviewed. Two hundred seventeen (28.1%) and 66 (8.6%) of them heard about and utilized adolescents' and youths' reproductive health services respectively. Those adolescents and youths who heard about sexual and reproductive health service practiced sexual intercourse and visited a health facility for other health services used sexual and reproductive health service more frequently. CONCLUSION: Adolescents and youths who were using Sexual and reproductive health services were not many. Therefore, it better if the concerned bodies work on improving awareness and utilization of adolescents' and youths' sexual and reproductive health services.

Contraceptive use and pregnancy plans among women of reproductive age during the first Australian COVID-19 lockdown: findings from an online survey.

PURPOSE: Australia introduced 'lockdown' measures to control COVID-19 on 22 March 2020 which continued for a period of two months. We aimed to investigate the impact this had on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Australians aged 18+ were eligible to participate in an online survey from 23 April to 11 May 2020. We report on the experiences of 518 female participants aged <50 years. Pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use were analysed using descriptive statistics. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to investigate difficulty accessing SRH products and services. Qualitative data were analysed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Most participants were aged 18-24 years, and indicated they were trying to avoid pregnancy. The oral contraceptive pill was the most common single method used however nearly 20% reported they were not using contraception. Women who were employed had less trouble accessing contraception during lockdown. Participants reported delaying childbearing or deciding to remain childfree due to COVID-19. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 lockdown impacted the SRH of Australian women. Findings highlight the importance of continued access to SRH services and products during global emergencies.

Parent-adolescent communication on sexual and reproductive health and the utilization of adolescent-friendly health services in Kailali, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are vulnerable to various sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems such as unintended pregnancy, HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unsafe abortion. Adolescent-friendly health services offer SRH services such as SRH counseling, contraceptive services, STI and HIV services, and abortion-related services, which may help prevent these risks. Parent-adolescent communication about SRH prevents adolescents from adopting unhealthy SRH practices. However, its association with the utilization of SRH services is less known. Therefore, this study examined the association between parent-adolescent communication on SRH issues and the utilization of adolescent-friendly health services in Nepal. METHODS: This was a school-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Kailali district, Nepal, among students aged 15-19 years in Grade 11 and 12 from seven schools. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association between parent-adolescent communication and service utilization. RESULTS: We analyzed the data from 594 students. Students with a higher score of parent-adolescent communication on SRH were significantly more likely to use adolescent-friendly health services (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.70, 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.29-2.23, p<0.001). Those who reported having engaged in sexual intercourse in the past year were more likely to use services than those who did not (AOR: 29.11, 95% CI: 13.65-62.08, p<0.001). Those who belonged to the Janajati ethnic group were more likely to use these services than those from the Brahmin/Chhetri ethnic group (AOR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.28-6.42, p = 0.01). Those living alone were less likely to use services than those living with both parents (AOR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.66, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Students with a higher score on parent-adolescent communication on SRH were more likely to use adolescent-friendly health services. Thus, parental involvement in SRH communication could contribute to the use of adolescent-friendly health services and ultimately prevent negative SRH outcomes among students in late adolescence.

Associations Between Sexual Assault and Reproductive and Family Planning Behaviors and Outcomes in Female Veterans.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between lifetime sexual assault (defined as someone having experienced sexual assault in their lifetime) and reproductive health care seeking, contraception usage, and family planning outcomes in female veterans. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected between 2005 and 2008 from computer-assisted telephone interviews with 1,004 female veterans aged 20-52 years who were enrolled at two Midwestern Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care systems. Participants were asked about reproductive, mental, and general health histories, and about lifetime sexual assault. We assessed associations between reproductive histories and contraceptive use among participants who reported lifetime sexual assault, compared with those who had not experienced lifetime sexual assault, by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Lastly, we examined reasons why these participants had not sought Pap test screening. RESULTS: More than half (62%) of participants reported experiencing lifetime sexual assault. Because there was an association between older age and history of lifetime sexual assault (P<.001), we stratified the analysis by age. Women with a history of lifetime sexual assault were more likely to have had unprotected intercourse for a year or more (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.35-3.96) and a teen pregnancy (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.07-4.12) than women who did not report lifetime sexual assault. When stratified by age, women aged 40-52 years with a history of lifetime sexual assault were more likely to report more than a year of unprotected sex, teen pregnancy, and not seeking prenatal care with their first pregnancy, than women aged 40-52 who did not report lifetime sexual assault. Women who experienced lifetime sexual assault were more likely to report not seeking Pap tests in the past owing to fear and anxiety when compared with women who had not experienced lifetime sexual assault. CONCLUSION: Female veterans who reported lifetime sexual assault had differences in family planning behaviors compared with women who did not report lifetime sexual assault. These findings have implications for clinicians and VA policymakers when determining family planning and reproductive care delivery needs for female veterans of reproductive age.

National and subnational coverage and inequalities in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and sanitary health interventions in Ecuador: a comparative study between 1994 and 2012.

BACKGROUND: Latin America (LA) has experienced constant economic and political crises that coincide with periods of greater inequality. Between 1996 and 2007 Ecuador went through one of the greatest political and socio-economic crises in Latin America, a product of neo-liberal economic growth strategies. Between 2007 and 2012 it regained political stability, promoted redistributive policies, and initiated greater social spending. To understand the possible influence on the political and economic context, we analyzed the coverage and inequalities in five Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health (RMNCH) and two water and sanitation interventions using survey data from a broad time window (1994-2012), at a national and subnational level. METHODS: The series cross-sectional study used data from four representative national health surveys (1994, 1999, 2004 and 2012). Coverage of RMNCH and sanitary interventions were stratified by wealth quintiles (as a measure of the socio-economic level), urban-rural residence and the coverage for each province was mapped. Mean difference, Theil index and Variance-weighted least squares regression were calculated to indicate subnational and temporal changes. RESULTS: From 1994 to 2004, Ecuador evidenced large inequalities whose reduction becomes more evident in 2012. Coverage in RMNCH health service-related interventions showed a rather unequal distribution among the socioeconomic status and across provinces in 1994 and 2004, compared to 2012. Sanitary interventions on the contrary, showed the most unequal interventions, and failed to improve or even worsened in several provinces. While there is a temporary improvement also at the subnational level, in 2012 several provinces maintain low levels of coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The remarkable reduction of inequalities in coverage of RMNCH interventions in 2012 clearly coincides with periods of regained political stability, promoted redistributive policies, and greater social spending, different from the former neo-liberal reforms which is consistent with observations made in other Latin American countries. Territorial heterogeneity and great inequalities specially related with sanitation interventions persists. It is necessary to obtain high quality information with sharper geographic desegregation that allows to identify and understand local changes over time. This would help to prioritize intervention strategies, introduce multisectoral policies and investments that support local governments.

Delivery strategies for optimizing uptake of contraceptives among adolescents aged 15-19 years in Nsanje District, Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Despite documented benefits of contraceptives, uptake among young people aged 20-24 years is high compared to adolescents aged 15-19 years in Malawi. As the world's population of 15-19-year-olds continues to grow the need to meet the increasing demand for contraceptive services and information that address adolescent-specific needs cannot be underestimated. To inform Sexual and Reproductive health services for the youth, we explored strategies for optimizing uptake of contraceptives among this age group. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Nsanje District Hospital and Nyamadzere Community Day Secondary School guided by Social-Ecological Framework to understand strategies that may optimize the uptake of contraceptives among adolescents aged 15-19. Nsanje district was purposively selected based on the reason that it is the second district in Malawi with the highest rate of adolescent childbearing of girls aged 15-19 years. We conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 9 traditional leaders, 11 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with health workers, 20 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with 12 adolescents, 4 teachers, and 4 parents. All data were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim into English. The data was analyzed and managed using deductive thematic analysis guided by Social-Ecological Framework. RESULTS: Adolescents suggested accessing contraceptives from local drug stores, pharmacies and hospitals at a health system level and through Youth Centres, clubs, and corners at a Community level. There is a need to ensure a continuous supply of various kinds of contraceptives and the presence of youth-friendly health care workers in the specified areas. CONCLUSION: There is no one way of delivering contraceptives to adolescents. Multiple avenues existent at the health facility and community could be leveraged to optimize delivery and uptake of contraceptives in a manner that is not intimidating to an adolescent while involving key stakeholders.

Reproductive health issues of undocumented migrant women living in Istanbul.

OBJECTIVES: Compared with the indigenous population of a host country, undocumented migrant women often experience more complicated reproductive health issues and fewer women access preventive gynaecology services. The aims of the study were to identify the reproductive health issues and demand for health services of undocumented migrant women living in Istanbul. METHODS: The population of this cross-sectional, descriptive study comprised 236 undocumented migrant women living in Istanbul, recruited using the snowball method. Data were collected through a three part questionnaire written in Turkish, Arabic, Persian, English and French. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 27.6 ± 7.0 years; 47% were transit migrants; 72% became pregnant in Turkey; 42.2% had had an unplanned pregnancy; 70.8% had received antenatal care; 10.4% had had an unplanned home birth; and 21.2% reported menstrual irregularity. Only 5.5% reported that they had had a gynaecological examination and only 4.2% had taken part in a screening programme. CONCLUSION: Participants' primary reproductive health problems were unwanted pregnancy and menstrual irregularity. While demand for family planning, regular gynaecological examinations and screening programmes was low, demand for antenatal and childbirth care was high.

Performance of a tool to identify different types of self-reported sexual risk among women attending a contraception and sexual health clinic: results of a cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: A clinical prediction rule (CPR) using psychosocial questions was previously derived to target sexual healthcare in general practice by identifying women at risk of unintended pregnancy (UIP) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This psychosocial CPR may help target resources within contraception and sexual health (CASH) services. This study investigated how well it predicted recent self-reported risk of UIP and STI acquisition among women attending a CASH clinic. METHODS: Female patients aged 16-44 years attending a CASH clinic in South-East England were offered a questionnaire on arrival. This comprised psychosocial questions, and others addressing three sexual risks: (1) two or more male sexual partners in the last year (2+P), (2) risk of STI acquisition through most recent partner and (3) risk of UIP in the last 6 months. A CPR score was calculated for each participant and cross-tabulated against self-report of each sexual risk to estimate CPR sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: The psychosocial questions predicting 2+P had sensitivity 83.2% (95% CI 79.3% to 86.5%) and specificity 56.1% (95% CI 51.3%-60.6%). Those predicting combined 2+P and/or risk of STI acquisition through most recent partner had a sensitivity of 89.1% (95% CI 85.7%-91.8%) and specificity of 43.7% (95% CI 39.0%-48.5%). Questions predicting risk of UIP in the last 6 months had a sensitivity of 82.5% (95% CI 78.6%-86.0%) and specificity of 48.3% (95% CI 43.4%-53.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The CPR demonstrated good sensitivity but low specificity, so may be suited to triaging or stratifying which interventions to offer CASH patients and by which mode (eg, online vs face-to-face). Further investigation of causal links between psychosocial factors and sexual risk is warranted to support development of psychosocial interventions for this patient group.