Impact of CV-19 on sexual and reproductive health services
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Health systems analysis and evaluations of the barriers to availability, utilisation and readiness of sexual and reproductive health services in COVID-19 affected areas
IRAS ID
296495
Contact name
Nigel Sherriff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 4 days
Research summary
COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 and has rapidly spread globally, being characterised as a pandemic by the WHO just three months later. As of 21st June 2021, there are approximately 178.2 million positive cases and approximately 3.9 million deaths. The pandemic has led to an unprecedented increase in demand on health systems for care for people with COVID-19 infection. The increased demand, compounded by the restrictions on movement implemented as part of containment measures may have led to disruptions in the provision of essential services, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The novel coronavirus is new to humans, and only limited scientific evidence is available to identify the impact of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health. In this multi-centre, multi-country study, we aim to conduct a health systems analysis on SRH care in COVID-19 affected areas in selected countries. Through this assessment, we will gather information on the types of sexual and reproductive health care services available in local health centres and assess the local health facilities’ readiness in addressing concerns and providing quality care to clients. We will also assess the client’s perspective of services and barriers to utilisation of services. The research will identify the gaps and barriers to the delivery of comprehensive SRH services in health emergencies. It will also provide a set of tools and processes, which can be applied in other settings, to assess health facility and system readiness to respond to health emergencies in future.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0528
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion