Gender differentials in access to medical services during COVID-19 lockdown: Insights from Nigeria.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria, like many other countries, implemented a lockdown policy that restricted all movement except for essential services. Access to medical services is a critical component of an effective healthcare system, and without equitable access across genders, improving the overall health outcomes of the population is unlikely to be achieved. This study analyses gender differential in access to medical services and sexual reproductive health services namely, family planning, child health, adult health, pharmacy, emergency care, vaccination, and other medical services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria, using both descriptive and inferential analytical techniques. Results indicate that adult health services were the most needed medical services, with females requiring them slightly more than males. However, access to these services was greater for males than females. While some respondents believed that there was a gender differential in access to SRH such as family planning, maternal and new born care, male infertility treatment, abortion prevention and management, healthy sexuality, violence surveillance and prevention among women, others opined that there was none. The study provided evidence-based recommendations for quality policy decisions on appropriate measures to promote gender-equitable and sustainable recovery during a crisis.