Exploring professionals' perceptions of the barriers and enablers to young people with physical disabilities accessing sexual and reproductive health services in Australia

Background: There is a lack of research on young people with physical disabilities' access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Australia. Research has found that there are attitudinal, physical and communication barriers for people with disability, in general, accessing health services, including SRH services. This paper explores key informant perceptions of the barriers and enablers to young people with physical disabilities accessing SRH services in Australia. Methods: This research used a qualitative approach and involved semi-structured interviews with key informants. Key informants were identified using purposive and snowball sampling, and included health professionals working in SRH services and disability-focussed organisations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Key informant interviews were carried out with nine health professionals and professionals from disability-focussed organisations. Key themes were: attitudes, role and capacity of health professionals; and additional supports. These three broad areas can either act as barriers or enablers for young people with physical disabilities to access SRH services. This research highlighted that heterosexual and gender bias creates additional barriers for young women with physical disabilities and young people with physical disabilities who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender or intersex (LGBQTI). Conclusion: Young people with physical disabilities face barriers accessing SRH services. Additional barriers are faced by young women and LGBQTI young people with physical disabilities. This paper suggests strategies to overcome these barriers.