The study was done as part of the project “Advocacy for considering adolescent health in healthcare system reform in Ukraine,” implemented by the ICF “Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health” with financial support from UNICEF. The project aimed at advocacy at the national level to draw the attention of society and government officials’ attention to adolescent health, review medical standards for adolescent healthcare, and ensure funding and good quality of youth-friendly medical and preventive services.
The study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the availability and quality of healthcare for adolescents and youth.
The main focus was on the following aspects of adolescent health:
- preservation of mental health,
- healthy nutrition,
- sexual and reproductive health, HIV and STD prevention.
The study was based on a qualitative sociological data collection strategy, including focus groups and in-depth interviews with experts who provide care to adolescents and youth:
- doctors, including staff of the YFCs;
- psychologists working in mobile social and psychological care teams, social service centers, day care centers for adolescents, rehabilitation centers for children removed from families, etc.