Obstacles and Challenges in Gaining Access to Family Planning Services in Covid Era: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Although WHO recommended continuing sexual and reproductive health services during
COVID-19 pandemic, the services were either stopped completely or limited. Hence our study aims to determine
the challenges in the accessibility to family planning services as well as the impact on contraception and safe
abortion services during COVID-19 era.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
SRM hospital, Chennai from September 2021 to November 2021. Random sampling method was used to enroll
participants after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: Almost half of the study population (49.24%) faced difficulty in following any form of contraceptive
measure amid pandemic. Non-availability of contraceptive supply (14.72%) was the major hurdle during the
pandemic. Among the respondents who had terminated the pregnancy, the majority had done by general medical
practitioner (66.67%) while only thirty-three percent terminated under specialist care. While comparing the
complications during pregnancy termination, general medical practitioner approach led to more complications
than specialist care.
Conclusion: Non-availability of contraceptive supplies, FP services amid COVID-19 pandemic has exerted
detrimental impact on the women reproductive health. Continuing FP and safe abortion services are essential
during pandemic to sustain the success of high-quality reproductive services.