Factors Associated with Changes in Reproductive Outcomes during the first year of COVID- 19 pandemic in Burkina Faso: A multinomial analysis from a longitudinal study using PMA 2030 data

Abstract

Abstract Background:The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected women’s life and livelihoods. In the past decade, the promotion of family planning contributed to reduced poverty and averted poor maternal and child outcomes. There is evidence that these gains may be threatened by social restrictions following COVID-19 outbreak. Methods:We used data from a longitudinal survey collected by the Performance Monitoring Accountability in Burkina Faso. Data were collected over one-year period, from before (November 2019–February 2020) and during (November 2020–February 2021) COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluate changes in reproductive outcomes with respect to changes in health and economic circumstances as well as sociodemographic conditions among 1372 women aged 15-49 at risk of pregnancy and potential contraceptive users. Bivariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression were performed to examine correlates of reproductive outcomes. Results:Half (52%) of women did not change their reproductive status. While, 29% had childbearing, 19% started using a contraceptive method. In the multivariate analysis, childbearing was relatively higher among women exposed to family planning promotion, healthcare utilization, but relatively lower among those employed without cash paid and those who experienced household income loss. As of contraception, women exposed to family planning promotion were also associated with a relatively higher contraceptive use while concerns about getting COVID-19 infection had the opposite effect. Conclusion:After a year period of COVID-19 outbreak, contraceptive adoption increased significantly, but at a slower pace which was not enough to reduce childbearing. The most vulnerable women may remain at greater risk of unintended pregnancies and poor maternal and child outcomes. Therefore, family planning programs should direct their efforts into combatting misinformation and reaching out women in communities in the context of COVID-19 restrictions.