Reproductive health experiences among women with physical disabilities in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the reproductive health experiences among women with physical disabilities in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

METHODS

Data were collected in the city of Bamenda through semi-structured interviews with women with mobility impairments, discussions with healthcare providers, hospital observations, and field notes. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed for key themes.

RESULTS

The 8 participants included in the study had limited understanding of reproductive health and many had not received basic reproductive health education. Unplanned pregnancy was common and pregnancy was often feared. Respondents reported both positive and negative responses from family, community members, and healthcare workers regarding reproductive health. Most healthcare centers were physically and financially inaccessible.

CONCLUSION

Women with disabilities need greater education on reproductive health and improved access to health care.