Interruption of the use of contraceptive methods during the quarantine by COVID-19 in Peruvian women

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic affected family planning management and the sexual and reproductive rights of couples. To determine the factors associated with the interruption of the use of contraceptive methods during the quarantine by COVID-19 in Peruvian women. Analytical and cross-sectional study, which included 342 women who used a contraceptive method before the COVID-19 quarantine, to whom a virtual questionnaire disseminated on social networks was applied. Pearson's chi-square evaluated associations between method discontinuation and the factors studied. Of the total number of women, 45% discontinued the use of contraceptive methods during the COVID-19 quarantine. The predominant age range was from 18 to 34 years (93.9%). The factors associated with this interruption were age (p=0.044), marital status (p<0.001), parity (p<0.001), sexual relations (p<0.001), and searching for information by digital means (p=0.044). The main reason for stopping use was fear of contagion by COVID-19 (42.8%). About half of contraceptive method users interrupted their use during the COVID-19 quarantine, and the factors associated with said interruption were personal, reproductive, and informational. Therefore, health personnel must provide comprehensive care for women, especially in health emergencies.