Effect of COVID-19 on care seeking in the presence of signs of sexually transmitted infections among women in Morocco

COVID-19 and sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Background & Aim: The emergence of COVID-19 has had significant effects on access to screening services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on care-seeking in the presence of signs of STIs among women of childbearing age in the Essaouira province of Morocco between April and June 2020.

Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective approach was used for this study. It consisted of a comparative analysis of retrospective programmatic data from April, May, and June 2019 and April, May, and June 2020 and collecting data from women of childbearing age. A questionnaire was distributed to women, including their socio-demographic characteristics and care-seeking behavior in the presence of STI signs. 

Résults: The sample included 1100 women of childbearing age.  Of these women, 425 reported showing signs of STIs during the Covid-19 period. 72.2% reported seeking health care from a qualified professional. The study found a correlation between women's healthcare seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05) and factors such as residence, education, marital status, socioeconomic status, and distance from healthcare facilities. The breakdown of STI cases for the years 2019 and 2020 revealed disparities in reported cases.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the search for care for signs of sexually transmitted infections in women of childbearing age. It is, therefore, crucial to improve the living conditions of these women, as well as the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and midwives, involved in the management of STIs.