Access and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services By Refugee Women in Nakivale Refugee Settlement

Abstract

During humanitarian crises the reproductive health needs of women and girls do not disappear. Displacement actually increases the need for reproductive health services since access, information, and supplies are greatly disrupted. The study explored the factors responsible for access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by refugee women. The researcher employed a case study design in which a qualitative approach was used to examine the factors responsible for access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by refugee women. This study was carried out in Nakivale Refugee Settlement Isingiro District, South Western Uganda. The study found that access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by refugee women is extremely low. Individual characteristics such as age; children and adolescents were responsible for access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health care services by refugee women. Low levels of education, health awareness and gender inequality were also responsible for utilization of services. The limited availability of health facilities and health staff at the health centres is partly a crucial factor that leads to low refugee women’s access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. The study recommended that evidence-based strategies, interventions, sensitizations, a multidimensional approach, conceptualizing social determinants of health, promotion of a holistic model of care that values refugee women experiences, knowledge and culture should be at the core of health policy and practices to improve the access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by refugee women.

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