Factors influencing access to, and utilization of HIV Aids Services by Persons with Disabilities in Kericho District, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to analyze the social, economic and policy factors influencing utilization of HIV and AIDS services by persons with disabilities in Ainamioi, divisions of Kericho district, Kenya, and to propose an appropriate access to and Belgut and Sigowet impact mitigation inclusion mechanism. A review of Kenya national policy and programme documents and policy and related literature indicates that HIV and AIDS, as they affect Persons with Disabilities, are not addressed, Yet persons with disabilities are exposed to the same predisposing or risk factors of this epidemic and its social and economic knowledge The study inquired received or possessed by persons with disabilities, factors affecting utilization measures consequences. required administered to the social, economic and policy of HIV/ AIDS services by persons with disabilities and policy inclusion address questionnaire, any resultant key informant gaps. interviews The study were interviewed. employed an and review of literature Data were analyzed through narrative and descriptive statistics. and 51 key informants into the nature and level of interviewer- to collect data. 274 respondents with disabilities Of the 274 respondents, HIV and AIDS messages reached 192 (70%) the rest were unreached due to lack of exposure, inappropriate information channels and other problems. Of those who had received messages, 153 (80%) possess accurate information about HIV and AIDS. The main sources of knowledge 121 (44.2%), Public meetings 14 (5.1%), Newspapers by respondents 8 (2.9%) were; Radio and 'Spouse 21 (7.6%) respectively. Respondents are generally found among the poorer sections of the community; earn insufficient income to meet their daily needs; have limited access to property, employable skills, and adequate education; depend on family, guardians and relatives for sustenance and support. These increase the many barriers to access to HIV and AIDS services. The most significant of these are communication difficulties; distance to service sites and inability of services to reach them. HIV and AIDS service delivery strategies friendly to, persons with disabilities hearing, visual and profound are not appropriate in general and especially physical disabilities. AIDS planning and programming to the needs of, or user those with Findings in this study confirm that HIV AND still exclude the concerns and special needs of Persons with Disabilities and therefore need to be radically re-oriented sensitive. inclusion model is proposed to facilitate programme An intervention to make them deliberately