Experiences of deaf women in accessing sexual reproductive health services in Zimbabwe. A case study of deaf women included organization

Author

Ndove, Sherry P.

Title

Experiences of deaf women in accessing sexual reproductive health services in Zimbabwe. A case study of deaf women included organization

Abstract

The study was carried out at Deaf Women Included Organization located at Emerald Hill, Harare and it sought to provide an understanding on the experiences of deaf women in accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Zimbabwe. It also aimed at identifying the challenges encountered by deaf women when accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Measures to improve the accessibility of SRHS for deaf women were also sought. The study used a qualitative research method. Snowball and purposive sampling were also employed during this study. This research used data collection methods, including interviews and focus group discussions to obtain thorough results. The primary participants were ten (10) deaf women and four (4) key informants. Thematic content analysis was utilized to analyze qualitative data in the study. Communication barriers, lack of sign language interpreters, lack of access to information, limited data and research, lack of trained healthcare providers, lack of confidentiality, stigma and discrimination were among the challenges faced by deaf women when accessing SRHS. This result in delayed seeking healthcare among deaf women leading to persistenceof health issues and disparities in health outcomes.In addition, from the finding’s withdrawal measures to improve the accessibility of SRHS for deaf women were discussed which include developing educational materials, training healthcare providers sign language and deaf culture, establishing peer support groups, policy change to meet the unique needs of deaf women and raising awareness campaigns to reduce societal stigma and discrimination. Additionally, this study suggests that all stakeholders should work together to improve the accessibility of SRHS for deaf women.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Deaf women

Sexual reproductive health

Accessibility

Communication barriers

Health rights

Supervisor

N/A