Sexual and Reproductive Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Results from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Germany

Bibliographic Data

ID15470565
AuthorsJule Räuchle (Universität Hamburg), Peer Briken (0000-0002-1360-014X, Universität Hamburg), Johanna Schröder (0000-0002-0751-4720, Universität Hamburg), Olena Ivanova (0000-0002-8276-7891, German Center for Infection Research, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue3
Pages1428-1428
Publication date2022-01-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19031428
PMID35162449
OpenAlexW4210555000
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited38

The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic's diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using quantitative methods, and it is also aimed at identifying the underlying reasons, using qualitative methods. It is a part of the broader I-SHARE project, which administered a cross-sectional online survey in 33 countries to describe the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on different aspects of SRH. In the current study, a total of 611 adults from Germany are included. The findings demonstrate a decline in sexual satisfaction, as well as increases in sexual problems and partnership conflicts. Furthermore, the findings indicate an increase in pornography consumption and masturbation. Psychological stress, due to the pandemic, seemed to be the main reason for the changes in the participants' sexual behaviours, followed by a decrease in social contacts, and an increase in time resources. Thus, it is important to provide accessible clinical and psychosocial (online) interventions and services in order to maintain good sexual health in times of pandemic

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Cross-sectional study · Disease · Environmental health · Pandemic · Population · Pornography · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychosocial · Reproductive health · Sociology · Demography · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology

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