Increased reproductive tract infections among secondary school girls during the COVID-19 pandemic: associations with pandemic related stress, mental health, and domestic safety.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Kenya, like many countries, shuttered schools during COVID-19, with subsequent increases in poor mental health, sexual activity, and pregnancy. We sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic may mediate risk of reproductive tract infections. We hypothesized that greater COVID-19 related stress would mediate risk via mental health, feeling safe inside the home, and sexual exposure, given the pandemic mitigation-related impacts of school closures on these factors.

Methods

We analyzed data from a cohort of 436 girls enrolled in secondary school in rural western Kenya. Baseline, 6-, 12-, and 18- month study visits occurred April 2018 - December 2019 (pre-COVID), and 30-, 36-, and 48- month study visits occurred September 2020 - July 2022 (COVID period). At study vi

SUBMITTER: Mehta SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10889038 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature