Factores socioculturales que inciden en el acceso a los servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva en mujeres con discapacidad intelectual, en la Comuna Puerto de Chanduy de la provincia de Santa Elena.

Abstract

There is a lack of information about the sexual and reproductive health of individuals with intellectual disabilities, which has negatively impacted the sexual education of this vulnerable group. Therefore, the following research is proposed with the aim of understanding the sociocultural factors that influence access to sexual and reproductive health services for women with intellectual disabilities in the Puerto de Chanduy Commune. The present study utilized the ethnographic method and descriptive research, with an exploratory level of study, a qualitative and gender-based approach. The research includes insights from 10 individuals, consisting of six family members who are also caregivers of women with intellectual disabilities and four professionals from the Puerto de Chanduy Health Center. The data collection was conducted using the semi-structured interview technique. As a result, it is shown that caregivers lack awareness of the importance of proper sexual and reproductive health care for women with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, there are social, cultural, and religious beliefs that indicate that topics related to sexuality are not discussed within families. It is also evident that there is infantilization and overprotection of women with intellectual disabilities when it comes to making decisions about their sexuality and reproduction.