Modern contraceptive methods knowledge and practice among blind and deaf women in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey

Awol Seid Yimer,Lebitsi Maud Modiba

doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0850-y

Awol Seid Yimer, Lebitsi Maud Modiba

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-019-0850-y

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Abstract

BackgroundEvidences from various parts of the world reveal that women with disabilities are facing widespread barriers in accessing public services. Service providers and program managers do not grasp the relevance of their work and interventions in addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of women with disabilities. The present study therefore aimed to assess family planning knowledge and practice among women with sensory disabilities.MethodsA mixed method approach using quantitative and qualitative methods was employed to collect the data. The study included 326 blind and deaf women using respondent driven sampling technique and 29 purposely selected key informants. We carried out the study from August 2016–April 2017. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and the qualitative analysis was done using Open code software version 4.02 and triangulated with the quantitative findings.ResultsThe findings showed that nearly two third of the respondents of were sexually active. The majority (97.2%) of study respondents had heard about FP methods, however the level of comprehensive knowledge on modern contraceptive methods was 32.5%. The prevalence of unwanted pregnancy was 67.0% and abortion was 44%.Almost half of sexually active respondents ever used modern contraceptive methods, yet the contraceptive prevalence at the time of survey was 31.1%. Implants were the most commonly used (51%) contraceptive method among current users.ConclusionsThe use of modern contraceptive methods among women with sensory disabilities was low. Thus, the government and concerned organizations need to address the attitudinal, social, and physical barriers women with sensory disabilities are facing while seeking, accessing to and using family planning services.

Highlights

Evidences from various parts of the world reveal that women with disabilities are facing widespread barriers in accessing public services
Pertaining to the residence distribution of respondents at the time of survey, nearly one-third (31.6%) of the respondents were living in Gulele, 49(15.0%) in Yeka, 35(10.7%) in Arada, an equal proportion in Bole and Addis Ketema, 25(.7%) in Kolfe Keraniyo, 23(7.1%) in Lideta, 14(4.3%) in Nifas-Silk Lafto and 12(3.7%) in Akaki kality of sub-city of Addis Ababa (Table 1)
“In the absence of accessible IEC materials targeting person with disabilities (PWDs) and sign language interpretation, how can sensory impaired people get and understand the information and have good level of knowledge? The situation is worst among those who are illiterate; who can’t read and access written sources of information? If we look at the mass media, they don’t convey sign language supported messages or programs on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) topics.” (Healthcare service provider from one of the health facility)

Summary

Introduction

Evidences from various parts of the world reveal that women with disabilities are facing widespread barriers in accessing public services. Reducing health disparities through improved access to care for under-served populations including PWDs is a top priority on the Country’s health sector transformation plan [6]. These show that the country is doing something to addressing the SRH needs of PWDs at policy or strategy level

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