Experiences of women with disabilities (WWDs) in accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS). A case study of Dombotombo ward 2, Marondera.

Author
Suliya, Takesure
Title
Experiences of women with disabilities (WWDs) in accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS). A case study of Dombotombo ward 2, Marondera.
Abstract
This study investigates the lived experiences of WWDs seeking SRH services in Dombotombo Ward 2, Marondera. Despite worldwide and national policy commitments to health equity and disability rights, WWDs continue to encounter severe barriers to accessing their SRH rights. As such, the study's specific objectives were to analyse the SRH services available for WWDs in Dombotombo Ward 2, to investigate the challenges faced by WWDs in accessing SRH services, to examine the coping mechanisms adopted by WWDs in response to challenges, and to propose potential measures that can be implemented to improve WWDs' access to SRH services. An interpretative phenomenological research design was used in this qualitative study, which was informed by intersectionality theory. The purposive sampling technique was used to pick 14 participants, and the sample size was determined by applying the data saturation principle. WWDs, caregivers, and key informants were all surveyed using semi-structured interview guides and focus-group discussion guides, respectively. The acquired data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings show that, while SRH services such as HIV testing, STI treatment, family planning, maternal care, and cancer screening are technically available, WWDs face multiple barriers to access and utilization, including attitudinal, communicational, infrastructural, economic, and systemic factors. Participants reported using a variety of coping techniques, such as avoidance, traditional medicine, peer support, and self-advocacy. The study concludes that inclusive service delivery, policy reform, training of healthcare workers, and mobile clinics are all urgently required. The study adds to the small body of evidence on SRH and disability in Zimbabwe, providing actionable suggestions and proposing an innovative paradigm to influence policy, practice, and advocacy for inclusive health services.
Date
June 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
Dombotombo
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Supervisor
Mr. L. C. Nyamaka
Item sets
Department of Social Work
Media
Suliya, Takesure.pdf

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