Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic on Young Adults’ Ability to Access Health Services and Practice Recommended Preventive Measures
Date
2021-09-20Author
Nalukwago, Judith
Olapeju, Bolanle
Mugabe, Pallen
Passaniti, Anna
Kimbowa, Musa
Ciloglu, Arzum
Mkandawire, Glory
Kabanda, Richard
Storey, Douglas
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Given the limited attention to young adults as key contributors to the spread of COVID-19 in Uganda, this study
examines the effects of the outbreak on the ability of young adults aged 18-29 to access health services and practice
preventive measures. A national population-based mobile phone survey was conducted in December 2020.
Multivariable regression analyses were used to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to health
care services. Control variables included region, education level, parity, and source of health information. The
majority (98%) perceived COVID-19 as a serious threat to Ugandans. Although the majority reported
handwashing (97%) and masking (92%), fewer respondents avoided shaking hands (39%), ensured physical
distancing (57%), avoided groups of more than four people (43%), stayed home most days (30%), avoided
touching eyes, nose, and mouth (14%), and practiced sneezing/coughing into their elbow (7%). Participants noted
that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their ability to access family planning (40%), HIV (49%), maternal health
(55%), child health (56%), and malaria (63%) services. The perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on
services was higher for those in the Northern region (OR= 2.00, 95% CI 1.00-4.02), those with higher education
OR= 2.26, 95% CI 1.28-3.99), those with five plus children (OR= 2.05, 95% CI 0.92-4.56), and those who trust
radio for COVID-19 information (OR= 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.67). The findings show the pragmatic importance of
understanding the dynamic characteristics and behavioral patterns of young adults in the context of COVID-19 to
inform targeted programming.