PLoS ONE (Jan 2021)

Gendered health, economic, social and safety impact of COVID-19 on adolescents and young adults in Nairobi, Kenya

  • Michele R. Decker,
  • Shannon N. Wood,
  • Mary Thiongo,
  • Meagan E. Byrne,
  • Bianca Devoto,
  • Rosemary Morgan,
  • Kristin Bevilacqua,
  • Anaise Williams,
  • H. Colleen Stuart,
  • Grace Wamue- Ngare,
  • Lori Heise,
  • Nancy Glass,
  • Philip Anglewicz,
  • Elizabeth Gummerson,
  • Peter Gichangi

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 11

Abstract

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Background Infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 and their mitigation measures can exacerbate underlying gender disparities, particularly among adolescents and young adults in densely populated urban settings. Methods An existing cohort of youth ages 16–26 in Nairobi, Kenya completed a phone-based survey in August-October 2020 (n = 1217), supplemented by virtual focus group discussions and interviews with youth and stakeholders, to examine economic, health, social, and safety experiences during COVID-19, and gender disparities therein. Results COVID-19 risk perception was high with a gender differential favoring young women (95.5% vs. 84.2%; pImplications Youth and young adults face gendered impacts of COVID-19, reflecting both underlying disparities and the pandemic’s economic and social shock. Economic, health and technology-based supports must ensure equitable access for young women. Gender-responsive recovery efforts are necessary and must address the unique needs of youth.