Inhibiting factors to equalization of access to heath opportunities among persons living with physical disabilities in Uasin-Gishu County–Kenya

Abstract

Disability is one of the least visible yet most potent factors in various areas of marginalization. Majority of Kenyan citizens, living with physical disabilities, experience unfavorable social conditions while seeking health care. Globally, laws have been enacted on equalization of opportunities for the disabled persons including United Nations Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2006). Though Kenya is a state party to UNCRPD, laws on equalization of opportunities are yet to be fully integrated to the society. A study seeking to explore and investigate factors inhibiting equalization of opportunities to access of health services among persons with physical disabilities was carried out on persons with disabilities in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya. The study was conducted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Moi University (MU), Uasin Gishu County Government and Outreach Mobile clinic centers of persons with disabilities. The study adopted a mixed method approach involving 375 employed persons with physical disabilities, 4 key informants in selected institutions and 10 service providers in the outreach mobile clinics. Data was collected using Self-Administered questionnaires and interviewer guide. Chi-square tests and Odds Ratio were employed to determine factors associated with access to health services. Inhibiters of access to health care services were evaluated using a Logistic regression model.