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ISSN 2063-5346
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UNMET NEEDS OF INDIAN WOMEN’S LIVING WITH DISABILITY; A CROSS-SECTIONAL DATA

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Hariharasudhan Ravichandran, Balamurugan Janakiraman, Mohammad Sidiq, Parthasarathy Ranganathan, Nalini Devarajan, Sureka Varalakshmi, Kshama Susheel Shetty
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.s2.212

Abstract

Background:The unmet needs are a significant predictor of quality of life among women living with disability, particularly in countries like India where discrimination and social norms against women is still a concern. UNICEF, India and recent researches have demonstrated considerable attention in unmet needs of women living with different health conditions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with unmet needs of adult Indian women living with disability, predictors, and adverse consequences. Methods: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted during November 2022 to January 2023. Convenient sampling method was used to recruit participants who consented, disabled care service providers and NGO’s were approached to locate eligible women in Chennai. A total of 145 women with disability were included in the survey. Data were collected through face to face interview method using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Results: Of 145 women surveyed, 45% are illiterates, 64% are unemployed, 24% are not affordable to utilise any rehabilitation services, 45% are dependent in activities of daily living (ADL), 88% were not affordable to buy assistive devices, 83% are physically inaccessible to public transportations, 64% of adults are unemployed and 81% are unaware of government benefits. Conclusions: Theseresults are important in that they give us an indication of where Velachery, Chennai, now stands in terms of meeting the needs of women with disabilities. Our survey findings will be instrumental in informing future policies and in improving service delivery to women living with disabilities.

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