Trends in Sexual and Reproductive Health Indicators before, during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic in Mexico

Celia Hubert Lopez, National Institute of Public Health
Leticia Suarez-Lopez, National Institute of Public Health
Elvia de la Vara Salazar, National Institute of Public Health
Aremis Villalobos Hernandez, National Institute of Public Health

The COVID-19 outbreak has potentially impacted sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services due to infection prevention measures. This study’s objective is to analyze indicators related to women's use of sexual and reproductive health preventive services and contraceptive use before, during, and after the pandemic. We used the National Health and Nutrition Survey results for 2018-19, 2021, 2022, and 2023. We analyzed trends in contraceptive use at last sexual intercourse and preventive services for women's SRH before, during, and after the pandemic. We find a decreasing trend in using contraception at last sexual intercourse, with the most significant decline occurring between 2022 and 2023. We also found significant differences in age groups. Regarding preventive SRH services, we observed a decrease in almost all indicators during the pandemic, with a recovery of prevalence to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, except for mammography screening, which remains at the same level throughout the period. In summary, our research uncovers significant changes over the period, both in the use of contraceptives at last intercourse and in the use of preventive SRH services. These changes could have significant implications for women's health and access to reproductive care.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Population, Shocks and Pandemics

See extended abstract.