Availability and accessibility of sexual reproductive health services for women refugees: a case of Kyangwali refugee settlement, Maratatu D zone

Abstract

This study evaluated the SRH Services Availability and Accessibility of women refugees in Kyangwali refugee settlement, Maratatu D Zone. The research design adopted was mixed-methods research which incorporated questionnaires, interviews, observation and a review of the secondary documents. Participants were selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques and the data analyzed to identify the types of services available, level of access to services and barriers to service utilization. The results revealed that there was availability of maternal health support and HIV testing services, which were generally acceptable to respondents. But there were still some services that were not available, such as psychological counselling, female condoms and contraceptive options. Long distance to health centres, transportation difficulties and language barriers were found to be significant barriers to access to sexual and reproductive health services. The study findings indicate that SRH services are available in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, but there are gaps in ensuring equitable access to SRH services for refugee women. It suggests increasing outreach of contraceptive services, enhancing the availability of reproductive health commodities, increasing psychosocial support, and creating safe facilities, and tackling transport and economic challenges to increase access to quality sexual and reproductive health services.