Access to sexual and reproductive health services among South African young people living with and without HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service access among South African young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: We utilized cross-sectional data collected from February to October 2021 in Cape Town among young people 13-24 years of age living with and without HIV. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifteen young people living with HIV (YPLWH) and 320 young people living without HIV were included. Young people reported an unmet need for SRH services during COVID-19, and 28% of YPLWH reported missing an HIV care appointment during the COVID-19 lockdowns. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding access to SRH services for young people during disruptive events is critical to reduce disparities in HIV and other SRH outcomes.