Barriers and facilitators impacting access to sexual and reproductive health services for women with intellectual disability - Takeaways - MDSpire

Factors Influencing Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Women with Intellectual Disabilities

  • By

  • Hiwot Temesgen Andualem

  • Susan A. Bartels

  • Tewodros Seyoum

  • Bilen Mekonnen Araya

  • Beata Batorowicz

  • Heather M. Aldersey

  • July 16, 2026

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  • 1

    Women with intellectual disabilities face significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare in Ethiopia due to stigma and discrimination.

  • 2

    The study utilized qualitative interviews with 17 women with intellectual disabilities to explore barriers and facilitators to sexual and reproductive health services.

  • 3

    Six themes emerged from the analysis, including education, contraception, prevention of abuse, and community-based rehabilitation roles.

  • 4

    Access to sexual and reproductive health services is influenced by social norms, cultural values, and systemic healthcare limitations in Ethiopia.

  • 5

    Findings aim to inform future interventions for improving access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women with intellectual disabilities.

Original Source(s)

Barriers and facilitators impacting access to sexual and reproductive health services for women with intellectual disability

  • by Hiwot Temesgen Andualem, Susan A. Bartels, Tewodros Seyoum, Bilen Mekonnen Araya, Beata Batorowicz, Heather M. Aldersey

  • July 16, 2026

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