背景:残疾人(PwDs)在全球人口中构成了一个庞大而多样化的群体,然而,他们的性健康和生殖健康(SRH)需求往往被忽视,特别是在中低收入国家。这可能会导致不良后果,如性传播感染(STIs),意外怀孕,以及人际暴力的经验(四)。这项研究旨在评估影响加纳两个地区PwDs性生活的因素。
方法:使用序贯解释性混合方法研究设计从PwD收集数据。定量数据来自402名受访者,使用预先测试的问卷,以及使用深度访谈从37名参与者中收集的定性数据。定量数据采用描述性和推断性统计分析,而定性数据采用归纳专题分析法进行分析。
结果:大多数PwD(91%)报告说他们曾经有过性行为,这与年龄有关,残疾严重程度,和家庭大小。不良SRH状况的患病率,性传播感染,意外怀孕,终止妊娠,不安全堕胎占10.5%,5.7%,6.4%,21.6%,和36.9%。这些结果受到教育的影响,收入,医疗保险认购,靠近卫生机构。IV的患病率为65%,这与残疾类型和严重程度有关。定性数据揭示了五个主要主题:从事性活动的好奇心,对有能力的伙伴的绝望和不安全感,偏爱与其他PwD的性关系,IV及其肇事者,和不良SRH结果。
结论:研究结果表明,大多数成年PwDs曾经有过性行为,他们在性生活中面临各种挑战。他们经历了社会不同阶层不同行为人的多种形式的虐待和忽视,对他们的福祉有负面影响。有必要采取全面和包容性的干预措施,以满足PwD的SRH需求,以及导致其脆弱性的潜在社会和结构因素。建议进行进一步的研究,以探索利益相关者如何改善PwD的SRH结果的观点。
残疾人占世界人口的16%,但是他们的性健康和生殖健康(SRH)需求往往得不到满足,尤其是在较贫穷的国家,导致不良后果。这项研究评估了影响加纳两个地区PwDs性生活的因素。从402名受访者中收集了定量数据,而定性数据来自37名参与者.结果表明,年龄,残疾的严重程度,家庭规模影响性活动。许多受访者还报告了不良的SRH问题,包括性传播感染和意外怀孕。65%的人报告经历过暴力或虐待,这与他们的残疾类型和严重程度有关。该研究还发现,PwDs在性生活中遇到许多挑战,包括虐待和忽视。研究结果表明,有必要关注性健康需求和使PwD容易受到各种虐待的社会问题。
BACKGROUND: People with disabilities (PwDs) constitute a large and diverse group within the global population, however, their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are often neglected, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. This may result in adverse outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and experience of interpersonal violence (IV). This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the sexual lives of PwDs in two districts of Ghana.
METHODS: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design was used to collect data from PwDs. Quantitative data were obtained from 402 respondents using a pretested questionnaire, and qualitative data gathered from 37 participants using in-depth interviews. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Most PwDs (91%) reported that they have ever had sex, which was associated with age, disability severity, and household size. The prevalence of poor SRH status, STIs, unintended pregnancy, pregnancy termination, and unsafe abortion were 10.5%, 5.7%, 6.4%, 21.6%, and 36.9% respectively. These outcomes were influenced by education, income, health insurance subscription, and proximity to a health facility. The prevalence of IV was 65%, which was related to disability type and severity. The qualitative data revealed five main themes: curiosity to engage in sexual activities, feelings of despair and insecurity with abled partners, preference for sexual relationships with other PwDs, IV and its perpetrators, and adverse SRH outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate that most adult PwDs have ever had sex and they face various challenges in their sexual lives. They experience multiple forms of abuse and neglect from different perpetrators at different levels of society, which have negative impacts on their well-being. There is a need for comprehensive and inclusive interventions that address the SRH needs of PwDs, as well as the underlying social and structural factors that contribute to their vulnerability. Further research is recommended to explore the perspectives of stakeholders on how to improve the SRH outcomes of PwDs.
People with disabilities make up 16 percent of the world population, but their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are often unmet, especially in poorer countries, contributing to adverse outcomes. This study assessed factors influencing the sex lives of PwDs in two districts of Ghana. Quantitative data were collected from 402 respondents, while qualitative data were collected from 37 participants. The results showed that age, severity of disability, and household size influence sexual activity. Many respondents also reported adverse SRH issues including STIs and unintended pregnancies. Sixty-five percent reported experiencing violence or abuse, which is related to their disability type and severity. The study also found that PwDs encounter many challenges in their sexual lives, including abuse and neglect. The findings suggest the need to pay attention to the sexual health needs and the social issues that make PwDs vulnerable to various abuses.