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Review
. 2025 Sep 30;22(1):170.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-025-02117-8.

Accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services among women with motor disabilities in low- and middle-income countries in Africa: a systematic review

Firdaous Zekaoui  1   2 , Houssine Boufettal  3   4 , Rachid Aboutaieb  3   4 , Samy Housbane  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services among women with motor disabilities in low- and middle-income countries in Africa: a systematic review

Firdaous Zekaoui et al. Reprod Health. .

Abstract
in English, French

Background: Access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is recognized as a fundamental human right and a core priority within global health agendas, particularly under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite significant legal advances such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities women with motor disabilities continue to face persistent marginalization, especially in low- and middle-income African countries. This systematic review aims to identify the barriers and facilitating factors influencing their access to SRH services.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024555816), this review adopted a Population, Concept, Context (PCC) search strategy. Studies published between 2001 and 2024 in English and French were retrieved from major electronic databases and grey literature sources. Data extraction and methodological assessment were conducted independently by multiple reviewers. A narrative synthesis was used for qualitative findings and a descriptive approach for quantitative data.

Results: Twenty-eight studies covering eleven African countries were included. The main barriers identified were grouped into five categories: physical and logistical constraints, social and attitudinal barriers, institutional limitations, economic hardships, and informational and communication barriers. Key facilitating factors included healthcare provider training, infrastructure adaptation, community mobilization, and the development of inclusive public health policies.

Conclusion: This review highlights the urgent need to embed disability inclusion within national SRH policies and to promote multisectoral strategies that address the systemic inequalities limiting access for women with motor disabilities.

RéSUMé: BACKGROUND: L’accès à la santé sexuelle et reproductive (SSR) est reconnu comme un droit fondamental et un objectif clé des stratégies de santé publique, particulièrement dans le cadre des Objectifs de Développement Durable (ODD). Malgré des avancées juridiques, notamment via la Convention relative aux droits des personnes en situation de handicap, les femmes vivant avec un handicap moteur demeurent marginalisées, en particulier dans les pays africains à revenu faible ou intermédiaire. Cette revue systématique explore les obstacles et les leviers influençant leur accès aux services SSR. MéTHODES: Conduite selon les recommandations PRISMA et enregistrée sur PROSPERO (CRD42024555816), cette revue a mobilisé une stratégie de recherche basée sur le modèle PCC. Les études publiées entre 2001 et 2024 en français et en anglais ont été sélectionnées à partir de bases de données électroniques et de la littérature grise. L'extraction des données et l’évaluation méthodologique ont été réalisées indépendamment par plusieurs évaluateurs. L'analyse a combiné une approche narrative pour les résultats qualitatifs et une synthèse descriptive pour les données quantitatives. RéSULTATS: Vingt-huit études ont été incluses, couvrant onze pays africains. Les principaux obstacles identifiés relèvent de contraintes physiques, sociales, institutionnelles, économiques et informationnelles. Des stratégies telles que la formation des prestataires, l'adaptation des infrastructures et le renforcement des politiques inclusives apparaissent comme essentielles. CONCLUSION: Cette revue souligne la nécessité d'intégrer la question du handicap dans les politiques nationales de SSR et d’adopter des interventions multisectorielles pour réduire les inégalités d’accès.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram selection process adapted to PRISMA
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Conceptual Framework of dynamic intercations of barriers and facilitors
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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