Barriers and enablers for women with disabilities to access sexual and reproductive health services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A qualitative study
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Despite having a fundamental right to access medical facilities and programs with
similar range, efficacy, and guidelines to those provided to others, people who are disabled still
have difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive health care in developing countries, including
Ethiopia.
Objectives: This study aims to explore barriers and enablers for women with disabilities to access
sexual and reproductive health services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted among purposively selected
reproductive age (18-49) group women with disabilities living in Addis Ababa who were members
of the Ethiopian National Association of Persons with physical disabilities and Ethiopian National
Association for Blind. Ten individual in-depth interviews, as well as 2 focus group discussions,
were conducted utilizing an interview guide. Data were audio recorded,transcribed verbatim and
iomorted to ATLAS.ti 9.The analysis was conducted with thematic analysis by using inductive
coding approaches.
Result: Barriers that could prevent an individual from taking the step to seek SRH service which
include negative attitudes in communities, structural hurdles in HFs, financial constraints,
transportation issues, and lack of information regarding SRH programs. Enablers that made
accessing SRH services and care easier include Social support and network, Access to education,
Positive providers' attitudes, and women's self-confidence/Assertiveness.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The study revealed that women with disability encountered
numerous challenges and some enablers when receiving SRH treatment and care. To address the
barriers and encourage enablers, SRH care Guidelines and programs need to take into account
women with disabilities, and actions to eliminate economic barriers to service utilization and
promote positive interactions with community members and healthcare providers should be
implemented.
Description
Keywords
Women, disability, sexual and reproductive health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.