P342 The impact of COVID-19 on the sexual health of youth in the Netherlands

De Graaf, H.; Joemmanbaks, F.; Heijne, J.; Meijer, S.; Polet, J.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) changed people’s life drastically, due to restrictions to reduce transmission such as social distancing and the limited number of social contacts. The objective is to gain insight in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual health of youth in the Netherlands.MethodsWe conducted two cross sectional surveys targeting Dutch youth aged 16–20 year old during the pandemic. Recruitment occurred via social media and a youth sexual health website (sense.info). Both studies included a questionnaire about dating, relationships, sexual- and help seeking behavior and mental health. We identified 4 different time periods: (i) 6 months before the pandemic (pre pandemic), (ii) first lockdown, (iii) between lockdowns, and (iv) second lockdown.ResultsThe samples consisted of 5218 and 4091 participants. The study showed that less singles had sex during the first (40%) and second (52%) lockdown period compared to pre lockdown (67%). Singles who continued to have sex more often reported casual regular partner during the first (58%) and second lockdown (60%), than pre lockdown (28%) and between lockdowns (33%). STI testing uptake decreased from 9% pre-lockdown to 1% during the first and 3% during the second lockdown. Self-tests were used almost twice as often during the pandemic (13%) as before (7%). Among the reasons for not testing, corona-related reasons (e.g., STI clinics are closed, or health care providers are too busy) decreased between the first (47%) and second lockdown (27%). Furthermore, youths mental health has weakened since the first lockdown up until the end of 2020.ConclusionCOVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts the sexual health of Dutch youth, especially during lockdown periods, but also in periods of relaxation of pandemic control measures. Therefore, it is extremely important for healthcare providers to make their facilities accessible and find for alternatives for face-to-face testing.