Knowledge level and access barriers related to sexual and reproductive health information among youth with disabilities in China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Youth with disabilities have the same right to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as their peers without disabilities. However, their needs and rights are often ignored. Little is known about the knowledge, needs and access barriers related to SRH information among youth with different types of disabilities in China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 473 unmarried youth aged 15–24 with visual, hearing, physical disabilities in both urban and rural areas in China. Results Out of a maximum possible score of 100, respondent’s median score ranged from 30 to 50 for knowledge related to sexual physiology, STIs/HIV/AIDS and contraception. For these three categories of knowledge, respondents with hearing and physical disabilities or from rural areas scored lower than their counterparts with visual disabilities or from urban areas. The multivariate analyses showed that the residential area and education level were strong correlates of knowledge among respondents with visual and hearing disabilities. Other significant correlates were age for respondents with visual impairment and physical impairment, and single child status in the family and father’s education level for respondents with hearing impairment. Sources of and barriers and preferences in accessing SRH information differed by type of disabilities, residential areas and gender. In general, school teachers were the primary and most preferred sources of SRH knowledge, followed by the Internet, peers/friends and parents. Unaware of where to get accurate information and feeling embarrassed to seek information were the two most frequently mentioned barriers in accessing SRH information. Conclusion Respondents had poor knowledge of SRH and limited access to SRH information, especially those from rural areas. Efforts should be made to promote school and family-based sexuality education tailored for youth with different types of disabilities.

A mixed-methods study of the awareness and functionality of sexual and reproductive health services among persons with disability in Ghana

“…Consistent with previous studies in Ghana [ 23 ] and China [ 59 ], visually impaired persons were more aware and knowledgeable about SRH, including STIs and HIV/AIDS, than persons with other types of disability. Badu et al [ 34 ] also reported that visually impaired women were active seekers of SRH information.…”

“…This study finding on the association between type of disability and knowledge of SRH such as STIs and HIV/AIDS is also supported by a previous study among young PwDs in Ethiopia [ 56 ]. A possible explanation for this finding is that other disabilities, such as hearing impairment, face more challenges accessing SRH information than those with visual impairment mainly due to difficulties in verbal communication and comprehension from reading [ 59 ]. The qualitative data also revealed that most visually impaired PwDs actively sought SRH information from the radio.…”

Infertility psychological distress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A grounded theory study

“…In many cultural contexts, including China, sexuality and reproduction are essential but often taboo topics for open discussion. People's knowledge about sexuality and reproduction is generally fragmented and incomplete(Chen et al, 2020;Guan, 2021;Qi et al, 2023). The dissemination of hearsay and scattered information, such as beliefs that 'blocked fallopian tubes result from a woman's promiscuous lifestyle' or 'children born through ART are artificial and often have problems', has contributed to the unjust stigmatization towards women.…”