Authors :
Misheck Samakao
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 12 - December
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3kEJ5pJ
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7567172
Abstract :
- Students with special needs face a lot
obstacles during their studies on campus. In many
institutions of higher learning there is often little
attention given in the provision of the services with
respect to students living with disabilities. Students with
special needs are 3-4 times at higher risks of contracting
HIV/AIDS as compared to the ordinary students. The
institutions of higher learning mostly do not take this
reality into consideration in terms of planning and
repackaging of services in order to meet this challenge.
Students with special needs suffer gross violation of
human rights during their period of study in institutions
of higher education leading to high levels of stigma, high
exposure to HIV/AIDS risks, high unhygienic conditions
and poor sanitary services, lack of attention and even
denial of access to health, sexual and reproductive health
services on campus both directly and indirectly.
The study used qualitative research methodology.
Both probabilistic and non-probability techniques were
used as sampling techniques.
The findings of the study showed that students
living with disabilities had difficulties in accessing
comprehensive sexual and reproductive health(CSRH)
services. They reported long distances to the facility,
stigma, negative attitudes from medical staff including
communication barriers and myths.
It was recommended that comprehensive sexual
and reproductive health services need to be repackaged
effectively in order to meet the demand from students
living with disabilities on campus. There was also need to
create more robust awareness and sensitization
programs to specifically address challenges faced by
students with special needs. The study contributed to the
body of empirical knowledge relevant to policy makers,
academicians and planners in the fight of HIV/AIDS
pandemic.
Keywords :
Comprehensive Reproductive Health, Disability, Students with Special Needs, Accessibility, Availability, HIV/AIDS, Vulnerability, Barriers.
- Students with special needs face a lot
obstacles during their studies on campus. In many
institutions of higher learning there is often little
attention given in the provision of the services with
respect to students living with disabilities. Students with
special needs are 3-4 times at higher risks of contracting
HIV/AIDS as compared to the ordinary students. The
institutions of higher learning mostly do not take this
reality into consideration in terms of planning and
repackaging of services in order to meet this challenge.
Students with special needs suffer gross violation of
human rights during their period of study in institutions
of higher education leading to high levels of stigma, high
exposure to HIV/AIDS risks, high unhygienic conditions
and poor sanitary services, lack of attention and even
denial of access to health, sexual and reproductive health
services on campus both directly and indirectly.
The study used qualitative research methodology.
Both probabilistic and non-probability techniques were
used as sampling techniques.
The findings of the study showed that students
living with disabilities had difficulties in accessing
comprehensive sexual and reproductive health(CSRH)
services. They reported long distances to the facility,
stigma, negative attitudes from medical staff including
communication barriers and myths.
It was recommended that comprehensive sexual
and reproductive health services need to be repackaged
effectively in order to meet the demand from students
living with disabilities on campus. There was also need to
create more robust awareness and sensitization
programs to specifically address challenges faced by
students with special needs. The study contributed to the
body of empirical knowledge relevant to policy makers,
academicians and planners in the fight of HIV/AIDS
pandemic.
Keywords :
Comprehensive Reproductive Health, Disability, Students with Special Needs, Accessibility, Availability, HIV/AIDS, Vulnerability, Barriers.
