Women's reproductive autonomy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the reproductive autonomy of women during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering sociodemographic, clinical, and reproductive factors.

Method: a quantitative study with a cross-sectional design, conducted with 314 women aged 18 to 49 years old. Data were collected through an online questionnaire containing sociodemographic, clinical, and reproductive data, as well as the Reproductive Autonomy Scale. The Mann-Whitney and Student's t tests were used to compare variables.

Results: significant differences were found between the average scores of "decision-making" and marital status (p = <0.001); and "absence of coercion" and "communication" with age group (p = 0.03 e <0.001), residence (p = <0.001 and <0.01), schooling level (p = 0.02 e 0.02), pregnancy (p = <0.001 e 0.04) and contraception (p = 0.02 e <0.001).

Conclusion: not having a sexual partner positively influenced autonomy in reproductive decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women of younger age, living in the capital, with higher education levels, who had never been pregnant, and who used contraceptives during the pandemic showed greater autonomy in the absence of coercion and communication. It was possible to identify the groups that require greater attention and interventions to support their sexual health and reproductive choices.

Background: (1) A high reproductive autonomy score was observed even during the pandemic. (2) Not having a stable partner positively influenced reproductive decision-making. (3) Women living in the capital, of younger age, and with lower education levels experienced less coercion. (4) Being nulligravida and using contraception were associated with less coercion and better communication. (5) The use of an online tool during the pandemic expanded the program's reach to women.