Community perceptions and attitude toward sexuality of women with disabilities in Kibra, Nairobi

Despite the existence of strong global and national human rights frameworks that support disability inclusion, women with disabilities in Kenya are still heavily discriminated against and stigmatised due to the negative perceptions of the community. This study examined community attitudes toward the sexuality of women with disabilities in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi, and investigated demographic factors influencing these views. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, a stratified multistage random sample of 420 adult residents was surveyed using a perception questionnaire and the Attitudes Toward Disabled Person (ATDP) tool. The findings show that a large number of respondents recognize that women with disabilities have sexual feelings, have normal sexual organs, and are sexually active. Even though most demographic variables did not have a significant association with perceptions of sexual activity, religion was one variable that had a significant association with perceptions of sexual anatomy. Overall attitudes towards women and men based on the ATDP test were positive as evidenced by mean ATDP scores for women (118. 76) and men (116. 36) which were above the respective standard thresholds (110 and 113). Multiple linear regression identified religion and education as significant negative predictors of positive attitudes, whereas close contact with persons with disabilities predicted more positive views. Their results indicated that the Kibra community, to some extent, recognizes the sexual agency of women with disabilities, nevertheless, this recognition is largely symbolic. In order to protect the sexual and reproductive rights of these women, the focus of the intervention should be shifted from the mere symbolic acceptance to the implementation of rights, based policies and culturally responsive strategies for inclusion in informal settlements.