Health Challenges of Women with Disabilities: A Focused Study of Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges faced by women with disabilities in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir; it relies on qualitative research design. One hundred and fifty respondents were sampled using snowball sampling method and were able to give in-depth information by participating in structured interviews. The most critical aspects under study are the availability of health infrastructure, health and hygiene awareness, doctors and nurses supply, cost-effectiveness of health and medical costs as well as satisfaction with medical care. The results indicate that there is a tremendous setback that women with disabilities face in accessing healthcare due to poor infrastructure, awareness and delivery in services. Answers analysis shows that most women do not know their rights to health, are unhappy with health services and face physical and social barriers to seeking health care. The level of education and awareness is strongly related to the knowledge of reproductive and general health requirements. Findings of the study warn that specific efforts to address the health access issue among disabled women should be put in place by focusing on disability-friendly infrastructure, community-level awareness, and medical personnel training. It is also important to make sure that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act is executed correctly. Along with the contributions, the study is aware of the limitations, small sample size and the use of self-reported data. A larger scale study under a mixed-methodology is possible in the future and can provide greater information and advise more extensive health policy actions.