Perceived barriers to accessing health services among people with disabilities in rural northern Namibia

Abstract

People living with disabilities (PWD) face unique problems in dealing with conventional healthcare facilities. We investigate the experiences of PWD as they access healthcare facilities in rural Namibia. More specifically, we investigate structural–environmental and process barriers to accessing health facilities. The study relied on semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling. The results showed PWD find it difficult to walk to health centers for treatment due to lack of transport, money to pay for treatment and toilet facilities and the distance is too far for people with lower-limb disabilities. There is a need to consider the unique issues affecting access to healthcare for people living with disabilities to achieve equitable access to healthcare services.

Keywords:

• disability
• barriers
• Namibia

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the European Commission Framework Programme 7: ‘Enabling Universal and Equitable Access to Healthcare for Vulnerable People in Resource Poor Settings in Africa’ (Grant Agreement No. 223501).