Interruption of the Use of Contraceptive Methods During the Quarantine By COVID-19 in Peruvian Women

Abstract

Background: The covid-19 pandemic affected family planning management and the sexual and reproductive rights of couples. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the interruption of the use of contraceptive methods during the quarantine by COVID-19 in Peruvian women. Methods: 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. Results: 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%). Conclusion: 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.