Access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among people with disabilities in Luwero Town Council, Luweero District, Uganda.

Abstract

The study assessed the access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among people with disabilities in Luwero town council, Luwero district. Specifically, the study was guided by the four objectives; to examine the sexual and reproductive health and information needs of people with disabilities, to examine the status of access to sexual and reproductive health services, to examine the factors that influences the access to sexual and reproductive health services, to examine the factors that influence the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs Data was collected using the in-depth interview guide, questionnaires and key informant interviews. The findings show that people with disabilities have sexual and reproductive health and information needs which includes; SRH information, sexual relationship, family planning and contraceptive services, antenatal care services, postnatal care services, delivery services among others. The findings also indicates that people with disabilities have access to the above-mentioned services, however the access is determined by the type of disability a person has. Other factors that influence the access to the SRH services including: the short distance to the health facility, the family members ‗support, the local leaders support, the general public support, the receptive health workers. The findings also show that the PWDs utilize the SRH services though with some difficulties. The factors that influence the PWDs utilization of the SRH services include; the family members ‗support, the possession of the SRH information, friends ‗support, support from the local leaders, support from the VHTs among other. The study concludes that the PWDs have access to the SRH services, thought the majority access it with a lot of difficulties. The PWDs also utilize the SRH services though with a lot of difficulties however they are helped by a number of factors to successfully utilize the services. The study recommends for further studies in the access to and utilization of the SRH information services. Specifically, to examine how to improve on the access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services