Sexual and reproductive health needs for young women living with perinatally acquired HIV through the pandemic

Background: Lockdown and reconfiguration of NHS services imposed to limit the spread of SARS-CoV- 2 led to significantly reduced uptake of routine NHS care including access to cervical screening, contraceptive and sexual health services. We describe female sexual and reproductive health of a cohort of young women living with perinatally acquired HIV (YWLPaHIV) over the time-period covering SARS-CoV- 2 restrictions. Method: Single-centre observational cohort review of sexual and reproductive health for YWLPaHIV attending HIV services 01.07.2020 to 01.01.2021. Data collected included demographics, age of menarche/coitarche, Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, contraception, past sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cervical screening and obstetric history. Analysis was descriptive, with categorical analysis of qualitative data. Primary aim was to identify individuals in need of contraception, cervical screening and HBV vaccination/boosting. Results: 71 YWLPaHIV median age 23 years (IQR 21-27), 87% of black ethnicity, average body mass index 25.9kg/m2 (SD 5.6) with 58/71 (82%) latest viral load 10mIU. Conclusion: In this small cohort cervical smear uptake was below the national average despite high levels of previous abnormal findings. Given the high rates of prior STIs and pregnancy terminations, addressing the contraceptive and sexual health needs including vaccination for young women, may require accessible face-2- face services despite the pandemic.