Contraceptive Use during the Covid-19 Pandemic in South Africa

Juliana J.C Onuh Onuh, University of Nigeria Nsukka
Ugochukwu Asogwa, University of Nigeria
Chukwuedozie Ajaero, University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN)
Eberechukwu J. Ezea, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Outbreak of corona virus disease (Covid-19) spearheaded strategies and measures that had varying implications on different socioeconomic activities, including contraceptive use. However, there is dearth of studies on the prevalence and factors of contraceptive use in South Africa during the pandemic. This study examined the use of contraceptives amidst covid-19 pandemic. National Income Dynamics Study-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) wave 1 survey was used with a total of 5,762 respondents. Chi-Square, and binary logistic regression models were done and result showed 26.35% of respondents used contraceptive in the country during the pandemic. Unadjusted regression results showed that urban residents (OR=1.24, P=0.001), Non-Blacks (OR=2.05, P=0.000) and those with tertiary education (OR=1.15, P=0.01) had significantly higher odds of contraceptive usage while adjusted model showed non-Blacks (OR=2.05, P=0.000) and residents of Limpopo (OR=1.56, P=0.01). This study therefore advocates for race and region specific policy/strategy in advancing contraceptive usage in South Africa during pandemics.