Abstract
BackgroundIn the past few months, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused extensive economic and social damage.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19–related measures on partner relationships and sexual and reproductive health in China.MethodsFrom May 1 to 5, 2020, 3500 young Chinese individuals were recruited through WeChat or Weibo to participate in a survey to obtain information on sexual and reproductive health (eg, sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual satisfaction, etc). The questionnaire also collected demographic data (eg, age, race, education, current financial status, sexual orientation, relationship status, etc).ResultsIn total, 967 participants were included in the sexual health analysis. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures, 22% of participants (n=212) reported a decrease in sexual desire; 41% (n=396) experienced a decrease in the sexual intercourse frequency; 30% (n=291) reported an increase in the frequency of masturbation; 20% (n=192) reported a decrease in alcohol consumption before or during sexual activities, and 31% (n=298) reported a deterioration in partner relationships during the pandemic. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the following influenced partner relationships: accommodations during the pandemic (P=.046; odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% CI 0.30-0.86); exclusive relationship status (yes or no) (P<.001; OR 0.44; 95 % CI 0.27-0.73); sexual desire (P=.02; OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.38-2.97); and sexual satisfaction (P<.001; OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.54-2.50). COVID-19 also caused disruptions in reproductive health services such as prenatal and postnatal care, childbirth and abortion services, contraception availability, and the management of sexually transmitted infections.ConclusionsOur results show that many young people have wide-ranging issues affecting their sexual and reproductive health due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures. Strategies and guidelines are needed to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health of young people during this pandemic.
Highlights
In the past few months, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and related containment measures have caused extensive economic and social damage to many countries like China and the United States [1,2,3].From February to April 2020, all schools and many businesses in China were closed
Our results show that many young people have wide-ranging issues affecting their sexual and reproductive health due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related containment measures
A total of 967 participants were included in the sexual health analysis
Summary
In the past few months, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and related containment measures have caused extensive economic and social damage to many countries like China and the United States [1,2,3].From February to April 2020, all schools and many businesses in China were closed. In the past few months, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and related containment measures have caused extensive economic and social damage to many countries like China and the United States [1,2,3]. Many provinces have implemented guidelines to reduce pressure on the health care system, including the suspension of nonemergency medical care and elective surgeries [6]. These disruptions have had a significant impact on the physical and mental health, as well as quality of life, of individuals [7,8]. Many young people are facing economic and psychological pressures caused by job loss or suspension of schooling. In the past few months, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused extensive economic and social damage
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