Canadian study: Teen pregnancies fell during pandemic
Canadian study: Teen pregnancies fell during pandemic Healio
sdgtalks
Key takeaways:
- Teen pregnancies in the Canadian province of Ontario declined during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Visits for contraceptives and STI management also were down.
Introduction
The rate of teen pregnancies in the Canadian province of Ontario fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did visits for contraceptive and sexually transmitted infection management, according to a study conducted by researchers.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The findings of this study align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The decline in teen pregnancies and visits for sexual health services indicate progress towards ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The decrease in teen pregnancies highlights the importance of empowering women and girls, promoting their sexual and reproductive health rights.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The amplification of existing inequities due to a lack of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services emphasizes the need to address disparities and ensure equal access to healthcare for all.
Methodology
The researchers conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using census data on 635,262 female adolescents aged between 12 and 19 years in Ontario. The study compared data from a pre-pandemic period (Jan. 1, 2018, to Feb. 29, 2020) with data from the pandemic period (March 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022).
Results
During the pre-pandemic period, the mean monthly rate of adolescent pregnancies was 0.82 per 1,000 adolescent females. However, pregnancy rates dropped at the onset of the pandemic and remained lower than expected throughout the pandemic period, with an overall rate of 0.65 per 1,000 adolescent females. The number of live births and abortions also declined during the pandemic.
Additionally, visits for contraception management and other essential services had not returned to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the study period, indicating potential long-term impacts on sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Discussion
The researchers highlighted the importance of addressing the impact of the pandemic on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in a responsive and rights-based manner. They emphasized the need for comprehensive healthcare services that consider sociodemographic characteristics and promote optimal outcomes for all adolescents.
Conclusion
This study provides valuable insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on teen pregnancies and sexual health services in Ontario. It underscores the importance of prioritizing adolescent sexual and reproductive health, reducing barriers to care, and promoting equitable access to healthcare.
References:
- Grubb LK. Pediatrics. 2024;doi:10.1542/peds.2023-064523.
- Vandermorris A, et al. Pediatrics. 2024;doi:10.1542/peds.2023-063889.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Teen pregnancy rate (per 1,000 adolescent females)
- Visits for contraceptive management and sexually transmitted infection management
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs. | – Teen pregnancy rate (per 1,000 adolescent females) – Visits for contraceptive management and sexually transmitted infection management |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. | – Teen pregnancy rate (per 1,000 adolescent females) – Visits for contraceptive management and sexually transmitted infection management |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Teen pregnancy rate (per 1,000 adolescent females) – Visits for contraceptive management and sexually transmitted infection management |
Note: The indicators mentioned in the table are based on the information provided in the article.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: healio.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
