Demand and Supply of Adolescent and Young People Sexual and Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant containment strategies impacted the logistics for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents and young people (AYP). The scoping review focused on the SRH of AYP during the Covid-19 lock down (January 2020-December 2021). The review was guided by the Arksey and O’ Malley (2005) procedure, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewer’s Manual (2020), articles published from the databases were searched. Studies revealed how discrepancies in the demand and supply of SRH services during the Covid-19 left a wide gap for AYP’s specific need, and the strategies that were adopted by countries in SSA to mitigate the effects. Countries in SSA built resilience among health providers, while AYP look for alternative to mitigate the shortage in SRH services by using alternative medicine. Evidence presented can inform efforts to ensure availability and accessibility of SRH services for AYP during future health emergency.