Barriers and Facilitators of Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization among Young People with Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Young people with disabilities (YPWDs), including those with physical and sensory impairments, face heightened risks of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Despite having similar sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and rights as their non-disabled peers, YPWDs encounter multiple barriers to accessing SRH information and services.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To map and synthesize existing global evidence on SRH needs, barriers, and facilitators to SRH service utilization among YPWDs aged 10-24 years with physical and sensory disabilities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of multiple databases identified 2010 studies. After title, abstract, and full-text screening, 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were reviewed. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction using a structured template to capture study characteristics, populations, SRH needs, and reported barriers or facilitators. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and the protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/WJEPH).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review identified physical inaccessibility of healthcare facilities, lack of disability-friendly communication, financial barriers, and pervasive social stigma and discrimination as major obstacles to SRH service use. Gender inequality, cultural taboos, and experiences of sexual violence further restricted access. Facilitators included supportive family or caregiver networks, strong religious or community ties, lower disability severity, and the availability of affordable, disability-adapted SRH services and digital information platforms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Improving SRH outcomes for YPWDs requires more than infrastructural changes, it demands addressing societal stigma, enhancing SRH education, and enforcing inclusive policies that prevent discrimination and violence.</p>