Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini Review

Candice Groenewald; Nazeema Isaacs; Dane Isaacs

doi:10.3389/frph.2022.794477

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini Review

Front Reprod Health. 2022 Mar 30:4:794477. doi: 10.3389/frph.2022.794477. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Candice Groenewald^{1

2}, Nazeema Isaacs³, Dane Isaacs³

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Community-Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Durban, South Africa.
² Psychology Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
³ Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.

Abstract

This mini review explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent sexual and reproductive health. We conducted a rapid review of the literature across three databases, with a particular focus on the African continent. Few studies have specifically focused on adolescents in Africa and this paper contributes to this paucity of research. Findings revealed the unintended consequences of the pandemic. Studies across several countries showed that the respective lockdown measures restricted adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health services. The literature also showed increases in adolescent pregnancies during the lockdown, along with increases in reports of sexual violence against adolescents. We conclude this paper by offering recommendations to address these unintended consequences and potentially improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health in African communities.

Keywords: SRH services; adolescents; contraceptives; sexual and reproductive health (SRH); sexual violence; teenage pregnancies.

Publication types

Review