Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on provision of sexual and reproductive health services in primary health facilities in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nigeria, like many other countries, has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While efforts have devoted to curtailing disease, a major concern its potential effects on delivery and utilization of reproductive health care services in country. The objective study was investigate extent which pandemic related lockdowns had provision essential reproductive, maternal, child, adolescent (RMCAH) primary facilities across Nigerian States. Methods This cross-sectional 307 centres (PHCs) 30 Local Government Areas 10 States, representing six geopolitical regions A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire used obtain data issues relating access RMCAH before, during after from head nurses/midwives facilities. entered into Open Data Kit mounted smartphones. were analysed using frequency percentage, summary statistics, Kruskal–Wallis test. Results Between 76 97% PHCS offered before lockdown. Except antenatal, care, there decline between 2 6% all lockdown up 10% with variation within During Full-service reported 75.2% whereas 24.8% delivered partial services. There significant reduction clients’ lockdown, difference States pandemic, during, Reported difficulties included stock-out drugs (25.7%), contraceptives (25.1%), harassment law enforcement agents (76.9%), transportation (55.8%). Only 2% PHCs availability gowns, 18% gloves, 90.1% hand sanitizers, temperature checker available 94.1%. Slightly above identified clients symptoms COVID-19. Conclusions large proportion who provided despite demonstrates resilience. Considering several reported, limited protective equipment more effort government non-governmental agencies is recommended strengthen sexual Nigeria