Abstract
Background
Despite Sustainable Development Goals explicit call for ensuring “Universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health(SRH)”, and specific articles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, women with disabilities(WwD) continue to experience barriers to access SRH services in Nepal. This study assessed factors affecting utilization of SRH services among WwD in Ilam district, Nepal.
Methods
A mixed method cross-sectional study of 384 WwD of reproductive age was conducted in Ilam district, Nepal. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using structured questionnaire. Relationships between utilization of SRH services and associated factors were explored using multivariate logistic regression. In-depth interviews of WwD, key informant interviews of health workers and local political leaders, and focus group discussions with Female Community Health Volunteers were used to collect qualitative data and underwent thematic analysis. Data were analyzed using Health Belief Model.
Results
One in five (15%) WwD had ever utilized SRH services. No need of (57%) and unaware of SRH services (24%) were main reasons for not utilizing SRH services. Majority (81%) of them reported that nearest health facility was not disability-friendly (73%) specifically referring to road (48%). A multivariate analysis showed factors positively associated with utilization of SRH services that included being ever-married (AOR = 121.7, 95% CI: 12.206-1214.338), perceived need of SRH services (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 1.419–21.357) and perceived susceptibility to SRH related disease/condition (AOR = 6.0; 95% CI:1.978–18.370). Qualitative findings revealed illiteracy, low economic and social class, lack of information, severity of disability, lack of disability friendly environment (no family support, distant health facility, inaccessible-infrastructure, stigmatization, bad behavior and attitude of health care providers), perception that SRH is needed only for married, and negative individual perception towards SRH (no need of SRH services, not susceptible to SRH related disease/condition and SRH disease/condition is not severe) as barriers to utilization of SRH services among WwD.
Conclusions
Utilization of SRH services among WwD was very low in Ilam district, Nepal. Promoting awareness raising program, ensuring disability-friendly environment, and prioritizing SRH services irrespective of marital status could increase SRH service utilization among WwD.