Challenges Encountered by PWDs in Assessing Health Care Services in Masindi District: A Case Study of Masindi Central Division, Masindi Municipality

Abstract

The study was carried out in Masindi central division Masindi Municipality, Masindi district to identify the challenges encountered by PWDs in accessing health care services in the area. The objectives of the study were to identify challenges encountered by PWDs in accessing health care in Masindi central division health centers, to establish the health care services offered to PWDs in Masindi municipality central division health centers, to identify the measures to address the challenges PWDs face in accessing health care services in Masindi municipality central division. Secondary data reviewed literature from sources like textbooks, publications, journals, internet and primary data, which were collected directly from the field. A qualitative research design/approach was adopted for this study and focused on obtaining data about the study. 20 participants drawn from Masindi municipality central division community responded. They were found by Purposive and Snowball Sampling techniques, were contacted by use of observation, and used Simple Random Sampling for selecting respondents’ using interview guides while collecting data. A thematic analysis was used to report the patterns of data collected. It was established that the physical environment and communication barriers led to increased challenges in accessing health care services. In conclusion, PWDs in the area or nationally should be engaged in matters concerning provision of health services since it allows enclosure of different ideas before implementing the services. Findings proved that understandable communication between the health personnel’s and the PWDs is also vital to accessing of health services to them. It was also recommended that inclusion of PWDs in health planning and training of the health service providers in braille and sign language can lead to better accessibility to health services by PWDs. By this approach, they can meet their needs and reach on to them. The study further recommends that the health community in the area should find a way to work hand in hand with disability organizations present with in Masindi. Through them, one can understand more of disability and the PWDs can understand more of the health services in the community. Thus, reduction of some challengesU2G.