Barriers and Facilitators with Accessing Healthcare Services among Children with Disabilities in Ghana: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The primary objective of global health is universal health coverage, yet there are significant barriers preventing children in Ghana from accessing healthcare. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify the obstacles and enablers that children with disabilities in Ghana now face when trying to obtain healthcare and rehabilitation services.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review on the barriers and facilitators associated with accessing healthcare and rehabilitation services among children with disabilities in Ghana. Two databases (PubMed and ProQuest) were searched as well as on google scholar and University of Suffolk Online Library. Studies were included if the population looked at children less than 18 years. Different methods were included owing to paucity of research. A narrative approach was used to synthesize results.

Results: Ten studies were included in the review. Approximately 90% of studies were conducted in Ghana. Accessibility issues for CwDs in Ghana were mentioned in all ten articles. While two researches used just quantitative methodologies, three publications used only qualitative study designs. The remaining articles used a combination of methodologies and relied on questionnaires or interviews to pinpoint certain obstacles. The caregivers of CwDs, health- workers and stakeholders were interviewed for these researches, along with group sessions, and only one study included interviews with the children themselves.

Conclusions: This systematic review highlighted attitudinal issues, poverty, improperly qualified healthcare staff, and physical inaccessibility as key barriers to healthcare access for CwDs. While public awareness of disabilities, professional and family support, initiatives to improve physical accessibility, and policy creation are important facilitators. However, given the methodological limitations found in existing studies, the results of this review must be interpreted
with caution.