Publication:

Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on reproductive activity in Rivers state

Background Reproductive activity is an important biological process that always take place between married and unmarried couples across the globe. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive activity during and post-lockdown in Rivers state. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive activity during and post-lockdown in Rivers state.

Methods A well-structured questionnaire containing demographics and effect of COVID-19 on reproductive activity were administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the researchers.

Results The study revealed that 57.58% (57/99) of the participants were between the ages 16-20, 58.82% (60/102) were single and 99.03% (102/103) of the participants (women) have unprotected sexual intercourse during COVID-19 lockdown. 99.03% (102/103) the participants engaged in unprotected sex because the pharmacist’s stores were closed. The study also shows that 43.69% (103) have the urge for sex due to inactivity and 76.60% (102) of the participants got pregnant and 96.25% (77/80) of the pregnancy were not planned. 51.29% (41/80) of the participants aborted the pregnancy and 92.68% (38/41) 0f the women who got pregnant did not attend antenatal clinic.

Conclusions A total number of 103 respondents participated in the research. 76.6% of the population got pregnant during the lockdown for different reasons and most of the participants were singles and did not plan for the pregnancy.