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Reproductive Health Care Experiences of People with Physical Disabilities in Vietnam

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Abstract

This qualitative research explored the reproductive health care experiences of people with physical disabilities in Vietnam. Data from 20 participants (10 males and 10 females) was collected from in-depth interviews with the use of drawing and photo elicitation methods. The findings revealed that people with physical disabilities in Vietnam experienced difficulties with their reproductive health care that included: physically inaccessible hospitals; negative attitudes from health care providers; discouraging experiences with reproductive healthcare including assistance with fertility control; and limitations with public health insurance. Almost all the participants only saw a doctor if they became ill, but often bought over-the-counter medication from pharmacies. Some participants chose private rather than public hospitals where environments were inaccessibility, and health care providers were perceived as insensitive. In terms of contraception, study participants mostly used condoms, although some did not use any contraceptive methods resulting in unplanned pregnancies or abortion. People with disabilities in Vietnam have access to public health insurance but its limitations can affect the experiences of people with physical disabilities attempting to access reproductive health care. In Vietnam, people with physical disabilities work hard to overcome discrimination to achieve full and satisfying lives.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

    An Nguyen

  2. School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia

    Pranee Liamputtong

  3. School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia

    Dell Horey

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  1. An Nguyen
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  2. Pranee Liamputtong
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  3. Dell Horey
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Correspondence to An Nguyen.

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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Nguyen, A., Liamputtong, P. & Horey, D. Reproductive Health Care Experiences of People with Physical Disabilities in Vietnam. Sex Disabil 37, 383–400 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-019-09581-8

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