COVID-19 and access to family planning among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Abstract

This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on access to family planning for women of reproductive age (defined as ages 15 – 49) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Employing a scoping review methodology, we retrieved relevant literature spanning the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras, drawing information from major electronic databases. Inclusion criteria required studies addressing family planning and sexual and reproductive health among women of reproductive age in SSA. This review encompassed 36 published studies, with two-thirds of these originating from the pre-COVID-19 period. The majority of the studies utilized quantitative methodology (89%). While some evidence corroborates our hypothesis regarding the impact of COVID-19 on family planning services in SSA, initial findings somewhat downplayed this impact. However, a sensitivity bias test revealed a discernible effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s access to family planning services. The results of this review hold significance for policymakers and program implementers striving to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on access to family planning services among women in SSA.