02001nas a2200193   4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653005700076653002800133100001700161700001400178700001900192700002000211700001400231245010800245490000700353520143300360022001401793       2021                            d  bOxford University Press (OUP)10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aHealth (social science)1 aAcheampong E1 aNadutey A1 aBredu-Darkwa P1 aAgyei-Baffour P1 aEdusei AK00aPersonal factors that affect disabled people’s access to healthcare in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana0 v373 a<p>The health status and quality of life of disabled people are of immense public health concern and the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved if the healthcare needs of disabled people are not met. A qualitative case study was conducted in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana to ascertain personal factors that affect disabled people’s access to healthcare in the context of disability stigma. A total of 30 disabled participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected through an interview guide utilizing a face-to-face interview and focus group discussion. Themes were developed and presented as findings and relevant quotes have been provided to support the findings. The study found factors such as self-stigma, knowledge about disability condition, financial challenges, location and accessibility challenges, communication challenges and lack of personal assistants which affect their access to healthcare. The experiences of disabled people have influenced them to construct their meanings regarding their conditions and subsequent health-seeking behavior. It is recommended that the district health directorate in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education should intensify public health education in the district which should be custom-made to suit the community’s needs and understanding of disability taking into account local culture and belief system.</p>
  a1460-2245