Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jun 2, 2020
Date Accepted: Jul 22, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jul 27, 2020
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Partner relationships, Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Cross-sectional Online Survey
ABSTRACT
Background:
In the past few months, the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic has caused extensive economic and social damage.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures on partner relationships, sexual and reproductive health.
Methods:
From May 1 to 5, 2020, we recruited 3,500 young Chinese online. Aspects of sexual and reproductive health obtained using a study-specific questionnaire.
Results:
967 participants were included the sexual health analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures, 212 out of 967 participants (22%) reported a decrease in sexual desire; 41% (n=396) participants experienced a decrease in the sexual frequency; 30% (n=291) participants reported an increase in the frequency of masturbation; 20% (n=192) participants reported a decrease in consumed alcohol before or during sexual activities and 31% (n=298) participants reported a deterioration of partner relationship during the pandemic. The logistic regression analysis indicated that accommodation during pandemic (P = .046; OR=0.59; 95 %CI = 0.30~0.86), in/not in an exclusive relationship (P <.001; OR=0.44; 95 %CI = 0.27~0.73), sexual desire (P = .016; OR=2.01; 95 %CI = 1.38~2.97) and sexual satisfaction (P <.001; OR=1.92; 95 %CI = 1.54~2.50) were closely related to partner relationships. COVID-19 also caused disruption in reproductive health services such as prenatal and postnatal care, safe childbirth, safe abortion, contraception and the management of sexually transmitted infections.
Conclusions:
Our results show that due to COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures, many young participants have wide ranging issues affecting their sexual and reproductive health. Measures should be put in place to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health of young people during this pandemic.
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