ACCESS
Background
Persons with Disabilities have historically experienced poorer health outcomes due to lifelong social exclusion and marginalization. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) 2006 articulates that Persons with Disabilities should have the same range, quality and standard of health care as people without disability including sexual and reproductive health (SRH). However, evidences suggest the SRH rights of Persons with Disabilities have been denied. Despite being sexually active they may have less access to SRH information and services such as knowledge about reproductive anatomy, family planning, and sexually transmitted infections. Within the health system, Persons with Disabilities may be mistreated by health care providers for wanting to become a parent or becoming pregnant. Social stigmatization over such issues may force them into sterilization and abortion. Further, they may encounter physical and emotional violence and those with intellectual impairments face the additional risk of sexual violence. The marginalization and exclusion of Persons with Disabilities may intensify during crisis increasing episodes of sexual violence, domestic abuse and physical assault. Nepal’s access to health care including SRH services deteriorated during the COVID-19 lockdown. In Nepal, there are limited evidence on the availability and accessibility of SRH services by Persons with Disability. The issue itself is also negligibly discussed in the public domain.
Objective
To conduct a scoping review to explore barriers and facilitators encountered by persons with disability while accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Nepal
Methods
We reviewed published government policies on reproductive health and disability, searched PubMed database and used google scholar search engine to find literature published between 2011 to 2021 that reported on barriers and facilitators to sexual and reproductive health rights for persons with disability in Nepal.
Associated Team Members
Sanju Bhattarai
Research ManagerPersonal bio She is an trained epidemiologist with more than 10 years’ experience in managing public health research projects in Nepal. She has strong technical expertise in designing and conducting implementation research using mixed methods approach. She has coordinated randomized trials looking at effects of lifestyle intervention to prevent cardiometabolic risks; and use of mobile health app to improve birth outcome among pregnant women with gestational diabetes; and pilot implementation study to prevent cervical cancer in Nepal. Additionally, she also [...]
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Sampurna Kakchapati
Research Manager: Survey, Evaluation and ImpactPersonal bio A committed health professional from Postdoctoral in Research Methodology with extensive experience in public health, research and statistics for nearly 10 years. Expert in conducting and leading a variety of research projects and surveys in Nepal and aboard. Recognized as strong coach and trainer for general research methodology (quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methods), machine learning, data analysis using statistical packages such R program, STRATA, SPSS and GIS. Ample work experience in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Non-communicable diseases, Nutrition, Family planning, [...]
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Saugat Pratap KC
Knowledge Management OfficerPersonal bio Mr. KC has always stuck by the words “in an increasingly competitive, cautious and accelerated world, those who are willing to take risks, step out of their comfort zone and into the discomfort of uncertainty will be those who will reap the biggest rewards”. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Rangsit University in Thailand in International Relations and development and completed his Masters of Public Health from BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health from Bangladesh, after [...]
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Santosh Giri
Senior Officer - Data Management and Information TechnologyDedicated and highly motivated public health professional with history of successful research goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Organized and dependable with success in managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Data Manager with over 4 years of successful experience in research, data management and analysis. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to roles undertaken.
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Sushil Chandra Baral
Managing DirectorKey Expertise Dr Sushil Chandra Baral is an experienced heatlh and development expert of Nepal, specialising in health systems strengthening and health policy and planning at the national and international level. He has twenty five years of experience in health systems and services, health policy and planning, operational research and social development sector in developing countries context. He has got considerable professional experience in health system, health policy and planning, health service delivery, health research and programme management. He has [...]
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