Page 69 - IJPS-10-1

International Journal of
Population Studies Access to sexual and reproductive health services

is particularly disturbing as Nigerians are notorious in the act which in part is a consequence of the lockdown. Before the
of self-medication (Oshikoya et al., 2009). COVID-19 outbreak, studies (e.g., Lamina, 2015) reported
Lack of information and misinformation can be a prevalence rate of unintended pregnancy of 26.6% and
particularly terrible and dangerous, especially during abortion prevalence of 21.7% in Nigeria. The occurrence
pandemics like COVID-19. Many of the respondents of unintended pregnancy points to the unmet need for
surveyed in this study had the impression that visiting health contraception in Nigeria. COVID-19, which is circuitously
facilities amidst COVID-19 outbreak is an automatic means associated with increased time dedicated to sexual
of contracting the virus. This misconception is caused by intercourse among couples and partners, could precipitate a
the lack of information and misinformation regarding the sharp rise in the number of cases of unintended pregnancy,
isolation and treatment centers where the symptomatic exceeding the level before the pandemic. Closely connected
individuals are treated. In addition, observing the to this also is that access and utilization of contraceptive
COVID-19 mitigation protocols helps minimize the risk of services and supplies are being affected by restrictions and
contracting the disease. This has, however, testified to the lockdowns. The lack of access to contraceptive during the
power of information and how dangerous it could become lockdown was further compounded by the government
when inappropriately consumed. Some of the respondents decision to shift attention to the prevention and control
disclosed the circumstances that informed their decisions of COVID-19. These prevention and control strategies for
to avoid medical establishments. A respondent stated that: COVID-19 will probably lead to increase in the number
of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and death
“The contagious nature of this virus created fear in our of the women and girls as most teenagers would want to
family to the extent that we hardly come out of the house. terminate their pregnancies out of shame. For instance, a
One of my siblings told us that he saw a news report participant revealed that her own sister became pregnant
online where it was stated that people are contracting as a result of the lockdown. According to her:
the virus through contact with medical staff. From that
point onwards, I decided that nothing will take me to “My younger sister is currently pregnant for the
hospital. Even the nearby chemist shops here where I boyfriend as a result of the lockdown. They were
used to buy some drugs and other stuff were not visited making out every now and then. The disturbing thing
by member of our family.” (PP1, female, 24 years old) is that the guy in question has absconded, leaving
her alone to take care of the pregnancy. I am worried
In this same way, a respondent narrated her encounter because she hardly talks to anyone or come out these
with a close neighbor that impacted her decision to avoid days. She might do something funny.” (PP29, male,
visiting health facilities. According to her: 24 years old)
“One of my close neighbors came asking for Inherent in the expression is that the young girl
paracetamol from us. I told her that the one we had may be ashamed to reveal her pregnancy due to fear of
had finished but she could easily get it from Emeka’s stigmatization and public scrutiny. This condition could
shop (a patent medical store) down the road. She lead her into contemplating abortion. The above scenario
quickly told me that one could contract COVID by may well be common amidst the lockdown as it provided
visiting any of those places. From that day, I became opportunity for couples and partners (heterosexual friends
so scared that I decided not visit any of those places in close relationship) who live together or close to each
around. Even when I got ill, I will prepare local herbs other to have more time for sexual intercourse. This may
to take care of myself.” (PP31, female, 27 years old) result in a number of SRH crises, such as increase in STDs,
Implicit in the above narrative is that the COVID-19 pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and adoption of other forms
pandemic worsened access to SRH services because women of risky health practices. A participant intimated that
who fear contracting the coronavirus are reluctant to seek care. “there is currently a case of incest that have resulted [in]
The disruption in SRH care will certainly lead to a torrent of pregnancy in this compound. The young girl told me that
additional health problems, including increases in the number she wishes to die” (PP33, female, 37 years old). Incest is
of unintended pregnancies, maternal deaths, and STDs as a taboo in most societies and the fact that this incidence
many people will undoubtedly resort to risky health practices. occurred amidst the lockdown is particularly worrisome as
there could be several more of such cases. Furthermore, a
3.3. Sexuality and the rise in cases of unintended woman stated that she was pregnant even though she never
pregnancy wanted it. According to her, “I am now pregnant for my
Analysis of the responses of the respondents points to a fifth child which I never wanted. I was having sex with my
likely increase in teenage and unintended pregnancy, husband almost all the time because we weren’t going to

Volume 10 Issue 1 (2024) 63 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.2354