FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES BY WOMEN AND GIRLS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES IN CONAKRY REGION, REPUBLIC OF GUINEA

Abstract

The right to access sexual and reproductive health services is for all, including the people with disabilities. Despite this call of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, women and girls living with disabilities still face limited access to sexual and reproductive health services in Guinea. This study analyzed the factors associated with the use of sexual and reproductive health services by women and girls living with disabilities in the city of Conakry, Guinea. The study was conducted in the five (5) communes of the capital city, Conakry, in 2024. A quantitative cross-sectional method was used, targeting 310 women of childbearing age. Quantitative data were collected using astructured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Factors associated with the use of SRH services were studied using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Among the 310 disabled women surveyed, 21% used any SRH services. Multivariate analysis showed that women who were married (AOR = 3.49, CI: 1.75-7.26), had a physical disability (AOR = 3.09, CI: 1.14-9.98), were enrolled in a health insurance (AOR = 2.82, CI: 1.37-5. 81), had heard of sexual and reproductive health (AOR = 3.33, CI: 1.46 - 7.80), and those developing income-generating activities (AOR=2.57, CI: 1.25 - 5.38) were more likely to use sexual and reproductive health services. This study provided evidence that the use of SRH services by women with disabilities was very low in the city of Conakry. To increase the use of SRH services by women living with disability, it is necessary to promote the implementation of a health insurance policy, strengthen communication for social and behavioral change, as well as income-generating activities.