Article

Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on women’s access to and experiences of contraceptive services in England: a qualitative study

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Citation

McMillan L, Gadsby E, Howell R, Ussher M, Hunt K & Ford A (2024) Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on women’s access to and experiences of contraceptive services in England: a qualitative study. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health. https://doi.org/10.1136/+bmjsrh-2023-202206

Abstract
Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic response prompted rapid changes to how contraceptive services were delivered in England. Our aim was to examine women’s experiences of accessing contraceptive services since March 2020 and to understand any inequalities of access. Methods We conducted telephone interviews with 31 women aged 17–54 years who had accessed contraceptive services in England since March 2020. The sample was skewed to include participants with lower educational attainment and higher deprivation. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using inductive and deductive approaches. Results Few differences were found regarding educational attainment. Participants using contraceptive injections (all living in areas in the most deprived quintile) reported the greatest access challenges. Some switched method or stopped using contraception as a result. More general barriers reported by participants included service closures, unclear booking processes, and lack of appointment availability. Many participants welcomed the flexibility and convenience of remote contraceptive services. However, telephone appointments posed challenges for those at school or living with parents, and some described them as rushed and inconducive to asking questions or raising concerns. Those accessing contraception for the first time or nearing menopause felt they were unable to access sufficient support and guidance during the pandemic. Some participants voiced concerns around the lasting effects of COVID-19 on appointment availability and inadequate service delivery. Conclusions Women’s experiences of accessing contraceptive services in England since March 2020 are diverse. While remote services were suitable for some, COVID-19 restrictions unequally impacted women depending on their method of contraception and life stage.

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online

Journal
BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health

StatusIn Press
FundersNational Institute for Health Research
Publication date online19/03/2024
Date accepted by journal28/02/2024
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/35870
ISSN2515-1991
eISSN2515-2009

People (6)

Dr Allison Ford

Dr Allison Ford

Associate Professor, Institute for Social Marketing

Dr Erica Gadsby

Dr Erica Gadsby

Associate Professor, Health Sciences Stirling

Miss Rebecca Howell

Miss Rebecca Howell

Research Assistant, Institute for Social Marketing

Professor Kate Hunt

Professor Kate Hunt

Professor, Institute for Social Marketing

Miss Lauren McMillan

Miss Lauren McMillan

Research Assistant, Institute for Social Marketing

Professor Michael Ussher

Professor Michael Ussher

Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Institute for Social Marketing

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