Sexual and reproductive health during the COVID-19 pandemic: online survey

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The COVID-19 global pandemic is rapidly changing the lives of all Australians. As of mid-March 2020, all Australians are being encouraged to remain at home and engage in social distancing, venturing out only to visit the grocery store, seek medical help, or exercise.

Despite assurances from the large supermarket chains, essential items, including sanitary items, have been unavailable on some supermarket shelves. Access to contraception including condoms and prescription contraception may be constricted and access to medical care such as STI testing may also be impacted.

There is confusion from key stakeholders regarding the accessibility of medical abortion during the pandemic, and state travel bans are restricting the movements of both health consumers and providers.

As people are asked to remain in their homes, the nature of intimate relationships and sexual practices will change. Social distancing policy is likely to impact online dating, casual hook-ups and attendance at sex on premise venues which may have an impact on the incidence of STIs.

Understanding changes over time in people’s sexual and reproductive health as a result of COVID-19 and its associated public health measures will help us prepare for future emergencies and may also help us better understand the epidemiology and control of STIs.

The Sexual Health Unit are conducting an online survey to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual and reproductive health of people aged 18+ who are living in Australia. The survey will be repeated regularly throughout 2020.

Survey 1 is now open, and you can complete it here: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/4f3r

Contact person: Dr Jacqueline Coombe, jacqueline.coombe@unimelb.edu.au

More Information

Dr Jacqueline Coombe

jacqueline.coombe@unimelb.edu.au