Assessment of Barriers to Reproductive Healthcare Accessibility among Women Living with Physical Disabilities in Tana River County, Kenya

Abstract

The reproductive rights of women living with disabilities remain a significant but neglected facet of global health equity, particularly within low-resource environments. This paper evaluates the barriers to the accessibility and utilization of reproductive health services among women living with physical disabilities in Tana River County, Kenya. Utilizing a qualitative research design underpinned by the social model of disability, the investigation involved in-depth interviews with twenty women living with physical disabilities, alongside purposively selected healthcare providers and Ministry of Health administrators. Data were analyzed thematically, revealing five primary clusters of barriers: Physical and infrastructural deficits, communication and information gaps, attitudinal and social stigma, financial and policy enforcement failures, and significant concerns regarding privacy and autonomy. Quantitative indicators embedded within the analysis demonstrate that while essential services like antenatal care and family planning are reportedly available, meaningful accessibility is severely hampered by a lack of disability-friendly infrastructure and a deficiency in specialized provider training. The findings suggest that structural and systemic failures, rather than individual physical impairments, are the primary drivers of reproductive health disparities in this region. The study concludes with targeted recommendations for the implementation of universal design principles, institutionalized communication support, and the stringent enforcement of local disability-inclusive legislation to ensure reproductive equity for all women in Tana River County.