Assessment of Reproductive Health Status and Quality of Life of Female Adolescents Living in the Slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh During COVID-19 Pandemic Situation: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of vulnerable adolescents who had reproductive health problems even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: We investigated this vulnerability through cross-sectional studies with a mixed-method approach. on female adolescents aged 15-19 years, residing in the Bauniabadh and the Ta block Jhil Par slums together with service providers. The quantitative method included a household survey of adolescents (n=144) through a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. The qualitative method included interviews with service providers (n=10) and with adolescents (n=9). Result: The study revealed changes in length, duration and flow of menstruation, substandard menstrual hygiene practices and impediments to the uptake of reproductive health (RH) information by adolescents during the pandemic. Married pregnant adolescents are inclined in taking their antenatal checkups (ANC) only during the last trimester and preferred delivery at home during the pandemic. There was also an increase in marriage among these adolescents and service providers had difficulty providing door-to-door RH services. Most of our female adolescents were married off during the pandemic, they lost connection with their friends and this made them feel lonely and secluded. They did not receive the support of their friends as before the pandemic. Conclusion: The study will enable the adolescent health expert to focus on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of vulnerable adolescents living in impoverished conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.