The Access of Women with Disabilities to Reproductive Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

Background: With the COVID-19 virus outbreak, access to reproductive health services in humanitarian settings has become doubly difficult for women with disabilities. Objective: This study aimed to determine the access of women with disabilities to reproductive health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological research method was implemented in this study. The sample of the study consisted of 28 women with disabilites. The data were collected using a descriptive information form and semi-structured interview form. The interviews were conducted face-to-face. Content analysis method was used in the analysis. Results: Women with disabilities experience several problems on accessing reproductive health services during the pandemic. Three main themes were determined. These themes were;importance of reproductive health, challenges to sexual and reproductive health access, and social support. It has been determined that women with disabilites had problems about mobility, communication, and awareness of health personnel in accessing reproductive services. Conclusions: Efforts must be made to ensure continuity in reproductive health services for women with disabilities and early identification and intervention so that existing vulnerabilities are not exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that nurses take a role in the development of these policies and efforts.