| dc.description.abstract | Persons with physical disabilities face varied challenges in many parts of their lives, including aspects that are linked to their health, Siaya County is among the top three with highest prevalence (4.1%) in the country. Despite Kenya’s commitment to actualize equality in accessing healthcare for every person by the year 2030, and increase the amount and value of the provided healthcare services, people with physical disabilities (PWPDs) still find difficulty in accessing health services for reasons attributable to different issues. Descriptive cross-sectional study identified personal, community and healthcare system related factors that hinder access to healthcare by PWPDs living in Gem Sub County. Stratified and systematic random sampling was utilized. This resulted to a selection of 108 persons with physical disabilities and the collection of information from 6 key informants by means of observations and semi-structured questionnaires, including the use of photographs. Data was coded and entered into MS Excel and copied to SPSS (v23) for analysis. Quantitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics, and chi- square analysis used to detect relationships between various factors and healthcare access of persons with physical disabilities. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. Out of 108 respondents, 96(89%) were caused by non-congenital problems, 54(100%) of female respondents had difficulties paying medical bills as well as 51(94.4%) of the male respondents. Staff attitude, 48(88.9%) of Females and 41(75.9%) of males reported poor staff attitude at the reception during their visit to various clinics. Area of residence, respondents monthly income102 (94.45) and non-supportive infrastructure were found to meaningfully affect access to healthcare services, (p<0.05). A total of 26 (24.07%) PWPDs interviewed lacked any form of assistive device. All health centers recorded less than 40% in terms availability of PWPDs friendly infrastructure (wide corridors, wheelchair ramps and spacious lavatories). Community factors like cultural beliefs, taboos and poor attitude towards PWPDs hindered access to healthcare by PWPDs. Local community leadership should enhance awareness creation to minimize myths and misconceptions surrounding PWPDs, hence improving social support to PWPDs from family and community. Ministry of Health should improve healthcare infrastructure and deploy adequate specialized staff to promote quality health
access for PWPDs. In addition, Siaya County government should improve the road network to support mobility by PWPDs. Further research is necessary to explore ways to remove barriers to access to healthcare by PWPDs, as well as other forms of disabilities in the study area and other sub counties. | en_US |