Barriers of Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization among Young people with Disabilities: A Scoping Review
1
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
2
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
3
Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide,, Adelaide, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2093
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Background and Objective Young people with disabilities (YPWDs), including those with physical and sensory impairments, experience a disproportionate burden of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Although they have the same sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and rights as their peers without disabilities, YPWDs face persistent barriers to accessing SRH information and services, contributing to poor SRH outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize global evidence on the SRH needs of YPWDs aged 10–24 years with physical and sensory disabilities, and the barriers and facilitators influencing SRH service utilization.
METHODS:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify quantitative and qualitative studies worldwide. A total of 2,010 records were retrieved, and 26 studies met the eligibility criteria following title, abstract, and full-text screening. Two reviewers independently conducted screening, and data were extracted using a standardized template capturing study characteristics, participant details, SRH needs, and reported barriers and facilitators. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/FHTJP).
RESULTS:
The included studies highlighted a complex interplay of structural, social, and individual factors affecting SRH service use among YPWDs. Major barriers included physical inaccessibility of healthcare facilities, communication challenges due to limited disability-adapted resources, financial constraints, and pervasive stigma and discrimination. Sociocultural norms, gender inequality, and experiences of sexual violence further exacerbated these barriers. Facilitators included strong family and caregiver support, religious affiliation, lower severity of disability, access to affordable and disability-inclusive SRH services, and availability of SRH information through digital platforms.
CONCLUSIONS:
Improving SRH outcomes for YPWDs requires a comprehensive, rights-based approach that goes beyond physical accessibility. Interventions should address stigma and discrimination, strengthen inclusive SRH education, and support policies that promote equitable access to affordable, accessible, and inclusive SRH services while preventing sexual violence against YPWDs.
Background and Objective Young people with disabilities (YPWDs), including those with physical and sensory impairments, experience a disproportionate burden of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Although they have the same sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and rights as their peers without disabilities, YPWDs face persistent barriers to accessing SRH information and services, contributing to poor SRH outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize global evidence on the SRH needs of YPWDs aged 10–24 years with physical and sensory disabilities, and the barriers and facilitators influencing SRH service utilization.
METHODS:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify quantitative and qualitative studies worldwide. A total of 2,010 records were retrieved, and 26 studies met the eligibility criteria following title, abstract, and full-text screening. Two reviewers independently conducted screening, and data were extracted using a standardized template capturing study characteristics, participant details, SRH needs, and reported barriers and facilitators. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/FHTJP).
RESULTS:
The included studies highlighted a complex interplay of structural, social, and individual factors affecting SRH service use among YPWDs. Major barriers included physical inaccessibility of healthcare facilities, communication challenges due to limited disability-adapted resources, financial constraints, and pervasive stigma and discrimination. Sociocultural norms, gender inequality, and experiences of sexual violence further exacerbated these barriers. Facilitators included strong family and caregiver support, religious affiliation, lower severity of disability, access to affordable and disability-inclusive SRH services, and availability of SRH information through digital platforms.
CONCLUSIONS:
Improving SRH outcomes for YPWDs requires a comprehensive, rights-based approach that goes beyond physical accessibility. Interventions should address stigma and discrimination, strengthen inclusive SRH education, and support policies that promote equitable access to affordable, accessible, and inclusive SRH services while preventing sexual violence against YPWDs.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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