Accessibility to Health Services Among People With Disabilities in Southern Africa, 2009 - 1

This research project studies the availability and accessibility of health services to people with disabilities and the degree of inclusion of people with disabilities in health service delivery in South Africa and Malawi. The project aims to strengthen and expand research that can contribute to equalisation of opportunities for people with disabilities and the sustainable improvements in the health and well-being of this group of people, in particular women and children with disabilities and children with disabled mothers. By focusing on people with disabilities in these countries the project is targeting an often neglected and vulnerable sub-population. The project comprises two complementary studies: 1. Difficulties faced by disabled people in poor communities when Accessing Health Services - an anthropological study (The DAHS study). The study will focus on the users of health services from the point of view of people with disabilities and their families. The study employs an anthropological approach in gathering data concerning peoples knowledge, experiences and practises with respect to health and access to health services. 2. Study of knowledge, attitudes and practices among health service users and providers (KAP study). In order to achieve this elucidation, two complimentary but different approaches were utilised: Users knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to health and health services were assessed through a comparative survey to include both people with and without disabilities. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of health service providers were approached through the use of qualitative individual and/or group interviews.