COVID-19 pandemic hits differently: examining its consequences for women’s livelihoods and healthcare access – a cross-sectional study in Kinshasa DRC

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to multiple preventive actions as primary interventions to contain the spread of the virus. Globally, countries are facing enormous challenges with consequences for use of social, economic and health services. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was among the African countries implementing strict lockdown at the start of the pandemic, resulting in shortages and decreased access to services. The adverse effects of the pandemic
had unpleasant consequences for the country. This study aimed to examine the association between COVID-19 pandemic-related factors, sociodemographic  factors, and the need to visit healthcare facilities, including family planning services, among women aged 15–49 years in the DRC.

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