Barriers and Enablers for Women with Disabilities to Access Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
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Date
2023
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Despite having a fundamental right to access medical facilities and programs withsimilar range, efficacy, and guidelines to those provided to others, people who are disabled stillhave difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive health care in developing countries, includingEthiopia.
Objectives: This study aims to explore barriers and enablers for women with disabilities to accesssexual 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 membersof the Ethiopian National Association of Persons with physical disabilities and Ethiopian NationalAssociation 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 andiomorted to ATLAS.ti 9.The analysis was conducted with thematic analysis by using inductivecoding approaches.
Result: Barriers that could prevent an individual from taking the step to seek SRH service whichinclude negative attitudes in communities, structural hurdles in HFs, financial constraints,transportation issues, and lack of information regarding SRH programs. Enablers that madeaccessing 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 encounterednumerous challenges and some enablers when receiving SRH treatment and care. To address thebarriers and encourage enablers, SRH care Guidelines and programs need to take into accountwomen with disabilities, and actions to eliminate economic barriers to service utilization andpromote positive interactions with community members and healthcare providers should beimplemented.
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Keywords
Women, disability, sexual and reproductive health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.