Understanding changes in contraceptive behavior among young women in Pernambuco, Brazil during COVID-19

Brooke Whitfield, Population Research Center - University of Texas At Austin

This study examines changes in contraceptive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pernambuco, Brazil, using a combination of panel data from 2020-2022 and focus groups conducted in 2022. By utilizing a mixed methods approach, this study is able to identify both trends in contraceptive use during the pandemic and uncover the mechanisms underlying these changes. Findings demonstrate that overall contraceptive use increased at the start of the pandemic, from 2020 to 2021, but stabilized between 2021 and 2022. Increases in contraceptive use at the start of the pandemic were driven by increases in coital dependent method use and sterilization, potentially in response to increased barriers to contraceptive access, changes in sexual activity, and heightened desire to avoid pregnancy at this time. The stabilization of contraceptive use between 2021 and 2022 may be reflective of decreased concerns about COVID-19 following vaccine rollout. Although overall contraceptive use did not change between 2021 to 2022, there were changes in the types of methods being used, potentially in response to improved contraceptive access.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Mixed methods research, Population, Shocks and Pandemics

See paper.