Aims: Access to healthcare services has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine women’s access to reproductive health services (RHS), reasons, and their relationship with COVID-19 anxiety. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data were collected from 345 women (≥18 years) using an online form via Google Forms, including an individual data form and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. Sample size was calculated with the Sample Size Calculator by Raosoft, with a 95% confidence, 5% deviation, as 385 using an interval and an unknown population. However study results present data from 345 voluntary women. Results: Mean age was 29.95±9.35, Turkiye (88.1%), married (51.0%), with bachelor's (47.5%), student (34.2%), insured (80.6%), income equal to expenses (51.3%), and experienced COVID-19 (53.9%). The majority (45.8%) were neutral about sexuality, 42% found it important. Some stated sexual desire remained same (72.8%) during lockdown decreased (20.9%). Nearly half (49.6%) had no sexual intercourse during this period. Condoms were the preferred method before and after COVID-19. Lockdown, no access to public hospital appointments, expensive private hospital costs, and condom prices were listed as barriers. As a result, 13 reported unintended pregnancy, 5 abortions, and 12 spontaneous miscarriages. The most needed methods were condoms, birth control pills, IUDs, and monthly injections. COVID-19 anxiety and difficulty in RHS access were similar. Unplanned pregnancy and no interest in sexuality experience significantly more problems in family planning services. However, COVID-19 anxiety levels were similar (p>0.05). Conclusion: Findings indicate RPH should be a priority in pandemics and other crises. Facilitating access to methods is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies and abortions, as well as sexually transmitted infections.
Demirezen et al. (Mon,) studied this question.