Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Health Services: A Qualitative Study Amongst People with Disabilities in Cameroon and India

Maria Zuurmond, Islay Mactaggart, Nanda Kannuri, Gudlavalleti Murthy, Joseph Enyegue Oye and Sarah Polack
Additional contact information
Maria Zuurmond: Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
Islay Mactaggart: Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
Nanda Kannuri: Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad 122002, India
Gudlavalleti Murthy: Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
Joseph Enyegue Oye: Sightsavers Yaounde, Cameroon
Sarah Polack: Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Background : Article 25 of the UNCRPD stipulates the right of people with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health, and the timely uptake of appropriate health and rehabilitation services. This study seeks to explore the factors which influence access to health care among adults with disabilities in Cameroon and India. Methods : A total of 61 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adults with vision, hearing or musculoskeletal impairments, using data from an earlier cross-sectional disability survey. In addition, 30 key informants were interviewed to provide contextual information about the local services and context. Results : Key themes included individual-level factors, understanding and beliefs about an impairment, and the nature of the impairment and interaction with environmental factors. At the community and household level, key themes were family dynamics and attitudes, economic factors, social inclusion and community participation. Intersectionality with gender and age were cross-cutting themes. Trust and acceptability of health service providers in India and poor understanding of referral processes in both countries were key service-level themes. Conclusions : The interaction of environmental and personal factors with the impairment and their levels of participation and inclusion in community structures, all contributed to the take up of services. This study illustrated the need for a multi-faceted response to improve access to health services for people with disabilities.

Keywords: disability; health services; barriers; Cameroon; India (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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