Time to healthcare-seeking following the onset of STI-associated symptoms during two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia

Throughout 2020, countries worldwide introduced various restrictions and measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions were unprecedented and included limitations on social gatherings and reasons for leaving home. Some studies reported a reduction in STI diagnoses and sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.1–6 Healthcare-seeking behaviour—how and when people seek healthcare—likely also changed due to COVID-19. Individuals may have delayed or forgone sexual health service attendance due to barriers such as fear of exposure to COVID-19 at healthcare clinics.7 8 If this is the case, STI diagnoses may have been delayed or missed, leading to potential increased transmission and negative health sequelae. Victoria is the only Australian state that underwent two significant lockdowns in 2020. The first lockdown occurred from late March to early May 2020, with restrictions on social gatherings, closure of...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Tags: COVID-19 Research letter Source Type: research