Rethinking access and utilization of reproductive healthcare, and domestic violence services among women with disabilities in Uganda (RESPOND)

Background: Majority of women with disabilities (WWDs) live in low-income countries faced with extreme disadvantages in access and utilization of life-saving reproductive health and domestic violence services.The purpose of the RESPOND project is to better understand the impact of disability on access, utilization, and delivery of reproductive healthcare and domestic violence services among Women with Disabilities (WWDs), to inform responses to the needs of WWDs in low-income countries.

Methods: This 4-years project consists of 4 studies conducted using mixed-methods.

Quantitative retrospective cross-sectional data obtained from the Uganda Demographic Health Survey will estimate the prevalence of adverse reproductive health outcomes and domestic violence among WWDs.

Qualitative interviews will assess the perspectives of WWDs and  service providers regarding access, utilization, and delivery of reproductive healthcare  and domestic violence among WWDs.

Findings from this project provide new knowledge relevant for future planning of appropriate and targeted multisectoral responses for WWDs contributing towards access on equal terms for women with disabilities.

Findings are therefore of broad interest and relevance to development research, development assistance and future national health care reforms in low-income countries.