Influence of Covid-19 Social Restriction Measures on Sexual Behaviours and Reproductive Health Outcomes of Young Adults in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 social restriction measures, a strategy to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus influenced people’s general well-being worldwide especially their sexual health. The study examined the influence of Covid-19 social restriction measures on sexual behaviours and reproductive health outcomes of young adults in Rivers State, Nigeria Methods: This study is a descriptive online-based cross-sectional design conducted among young adults aged 18-25 years.  A structured questionnaire was designed using Google form and the link shared online for completion via Facebook and WhatsApp group platforms with a request to forward the link to their peers.  The data was subjected to descriptive analysis using SPSS version 22. Results: More than half 65% of the respondents were female, and 68.7% were between the ages of 21-25 years. The majority 76.3% of the respondents had sexual experience. There was a decrease in satisfaction with sex life (from 65.9% to 47.9%) and decline in condom non-usage (from 39.8% to 45%) before and during the COVID-19 social restriction measures respectively. There was an increase in sexual activities (from 11.9% to 19.4% 2-3 times a week), increase in masturbation (from 12.1% to 31.7%) and in pornography (from 45% to 59.2%) before and during the COVID-19 social restriction measures respectively. About 47.4% were pregnant or impregnated someone and 19.2% of the young adults reported being infected with STI or HIV during the COVID-19 social restriction measures. The young adults experienced difficulties accessing contraceptives and STI management services. Conclusion: The COVID-19 social restriction measures impacted sexual behaviours, reproductive health outcomes, and the availability, accessibility and utilization sexual and reproductive services by young adult