TY - JOUR T1 - Experiences of access and use of contraceptive care during COVID-19 lockdown in the UK: a web-based survey JF - BJGP Open JO - BJGP Open DO - 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0218 SP - BJGPO.2021.0218 AU - Richard Ma AU - Kimberley Foley AU - Sonia Saxena Y1 - 2022/04/27 UR - http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2022/04/27/BJGPO.2021.0218.abstract N2 - Background The first wave of lockdown measures to control the covid-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom (UK) resulted in suspension of “non-essential” services including contraception.Aim To examine women’s perceptions and experiences of contraceptive care in the UK during the first lockdown.Design & setting Cross-sectional survey during lockdown period from March to June 2020.Method We designed an online questionnaire asking women aged 16–54 their experiences of contraceptive care during lockdown. Questions were based on Maxwell’s evaluation framework on access, acceptability, relevance, and equity. It was promoted on social media from 27th May to ninth June 2020. We conducted descriptive analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of free text data.Results 214 responses were analysed. General practice was the source of contraception for 43% and 52% of respondents before and during the lockdown respectively. 55% (118/214) of respondents including regular and new users were uncertain where or how to get contraception during the pandemic. Respondents reported reduced access to contraception during lockdown, some thought sexual health clinics and general practices were closed.Remote consultations and electronic prescriptions facilitated contraceptive access for some respondents. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was unavailable in some areas due to restrictions, alternatives were not acceptable to those who used methods for non-contraceptive benefits to treat medical conditions e.g., menorrhagia.Conclusions Our study highlighted the need for better information and signposting for contraception during lockdown. Contraception including LARC should be reframed as an essential service with robust signposting for pandemic planning and beyond. ER -