An Idle Mind Is Devil's Workshop: Transactional Sex and Adverse Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes among Young Women in Urban Slums during the Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown in South Africa.

Obasanjo Bolarinwa, University of the Witswaterand
Clifford O. Odimegwu, University of the Witwatersrand
Kobi Ajayi, Texas A&M University

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly affected global sectors, especially urban slum youths. This research investigated the link between transactional sex and health risks in South African slums during the pandemic. Using a cross-sectional survey in four slums, data from 800 women aged 18-24 was collected via the Open Data Kit app. The observed adverse sexual and reproductive health rate in these slums was 13.5%, comprising 12.0% STIs and 12.4% unintended pregnancies. The prevalence of transactional sex was 7.1%. Women engaging in transactional sex had higher risks of STIs [aOR=3.3; 95%(CI=1.6-6.7)] and unintended pregnancies [aOR=2.3; 95%(CI=1.1-4.7)]. The study concludes that during COVID-19, transactional sex in these slums correlated with negative sexual health outcomes. Those with multiple sexual partners were more likely to report STIs and unintended pregnancies.