| Issue/Objective |
Approximately 1.3 billion people with disabilities (PwDs) globally experience various challenges to health contributing to adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. These challenges are more common in low and middle income countries including Ghana. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the practical strategies to improve the SRH outcomes of PwDs. This study, therefore, used a pluralistic approach to explore evidence based and practical recommendations from PwDs and healthcare providers' (HPs) on how to improve the SRH of PwDs in Ghana. |
| Methodology/Approach |
Employing a descriptive qualitative study design, in-depth interviews were conducted among 62 purposively selected stakeholders (37 PwDs and 25 HPs) in the Kumasi Metropolis and Offinso North Districts of Ghana. Data was analysed using inductive thematic analytical approach. |
| Results |
Six major themes were generated from the data: Training for disability-sensitive and inclusive healthcare, Healthcare inclusivity -'nothing about us without us', Raising awareness for accessibility and equity, Impactful continuous monitoring and evaluation, Vital empowerment for self-reliance and Educating and advocating for disability-inclusive healthcare environment. These recommendations were synthesised to develop the THRIVE model-a comprehensive evidence-based data driven framework from stakeholders that emphasises the importance of multiple solutions such as Training for disability-sensitive and inclusive healthcare, Healthcare inclusivity -'nothing about us without us', Raising awareness for accessibility and equity, Impactful continuous monitoring and evaluation, Vital empowerment for self-reliance and Educating and advocating for disability-inclusive healthcare environment to improve the SRH outcomes. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
Implementing these practical recommendations from stakeholders could facilitate the development and strengthening of existing interventions and policies including the disability Act 715 to improve the SRH access and outcomes of PwDs in Ghana and other similar low-and middle-income countries. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Abdul-Aziz Seidu James Cook University |
