Prevalence and Factors Associated with Violence; Perceived Social Support and Health Access Among People with Disabilities in Rural Districts of Southern Ethiopia: Mixed Study

Abstract

Lielt Gebreselassie Gebrekirstos,1 Tizita Tekle Lencha,2 Yordanos Sisay Asgedom,3 Tsiyon Birhanu Wube4,5 1Department of Maternity and Reproductive Health Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 3Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia; 4Department of Adult Health Nursing, Aksum University College of Health Science, Aksum, Northern Ethiopia; 5Health Science Education Development Center, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Lielt Gebreselassie Gebrekirstos, Email [email protected]: Violence is a serious public health problem with far-reaching negative effects. The lack of data on disability-related violence obscures developing nations from taking the appropriate steps to mitigate it.Objective: This study sought to assess the prevalence and associated factors of violence as well as perceived social support and health access among people with disabilities in Southern Ethiopia.Methods: This cross-sectional, community-based mixed study was conducted from March 15 to May 15, 2022. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 645 participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Qualitative data were transcribed and translated verbatim and analyzed thematically.Results: The total prevalence of any form of violence within the last year was 61.2%. Being female {AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: (1.61,7.47)}, having no formal education {AOR: 4.8; 95% CI: (1.18, 19.79)}, having a visual disability{AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: (1.61,7.43)}, strong reliance on others {AOR: 5.6; 95% CI: (1.34,23.55)}, and not joining any community group {AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: (1.36,11.35)}were associated with sexual violence. Being female {AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: (1.16, 3.04)}, having no formal education {AOR: 4.9 95% CI: (1.86, 7.78)}, and a low level of perceived social support {AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: (1.74, 5.32)} was associated with emotional violence. Belonging to the lower wealth index group {AOR: 5.4; 95% CI: (1.96, 15.16)} and reliance on others {AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: (1.54, 5.30)} were associated with physical violence. During a qualitative study there is a lack of social support and receiving wrong social support frequently, leading to isolation, depression, and violence. Additionally, access to transportation and health services is not user-friendly for such persons.Conclusion: A significant proportion of people with disabilities experience violence. The finding highlight there is a need for capacity building particularly, for women with disabilities.Keywords: violence, sexual violence, physical violence, emotional violence, disability

Keywords

• violence
• sexual violence
• physical violence
• emotional violence
• disability