Healthcare disparities in gynecological health services for women with disabilities: a cross-sectional study from Iraq.
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BACKGROUND: Iraqi women with disabilities have significant barriers to health care access for gynecologic services and suffer from adverse reproductive health outcomes. Low cervical cancer screening rates and the inaccessibility of health care perpetuate such disparities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to quantify the experiences of gynecological health care for women with disabilities in Iraq, to identify barriers to care, and to highlight urgent policy needs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 69 women with disabilities in Iraq. Data were collected through structured interviews regarding demographics, reproductive health background, and access to health care. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binomial logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between disability categories and key reproductive health outcomes. RESULTS: Only 27.9% of participants attended regular gynecological visits, while 5.9% had ever undergone a Pap smear. Menstrual difficulties were reported by 44.8% of participants, with 10.3% undergoing hysterectomy. Participants were grouped into age categories: 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and ≥ 50 years, with the largest proportion falling within the 20–29 age group (26.1%). Significant associations were found between disability type and contraceptive use (p < 0.001), hormonal therapy recommendations (p = 0.008), and reproductive health interventions (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Iraqi women with disabilities are confronted with severe reproductive health gaps due to inaccessible health facilities, low rates of screening, and lack of reproductive autonomy. There is a need for urgent policy reform, disability-sensitive medical training, and greater health care access to provide equal gynecological care.