Barriers to Accessing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services for Persons With Disabilities in the Southwestern Region of Bangladesh

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) persists as a global challenge, including Bangladesh. This study aims to investigate the barriers PWDs encountered in accessing WASH services in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Following the social model of disability as a guiding framework, the study employed a deductive approach to get an in-depth understanding of the issue through qualitative exploration. Data were collected from the PWDs and their caregivers through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) following the snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed following the pre-determined codes and themes. Findings revealed that PWDs experienced multidimensional barriers clustered into three domains: physical or structural, social, and institutional barriers. Physical or structural barriers included long distances to toilets, slippery and uneven roads, narrow toilet spaces, insufficient lighting, and limited access to mobility aids. Social barriers encompassed discriminatory societal norms including stigma, isolation, ignorance, and prejudice that restricted equitable WASH access. Institutional barriers were characterized by limited governmental and non-governmental initiatives aimed at providing inclusive WASH infrastructure and services for PWDs. The study concludes that inclusive and disabled-friendly WASH services need to be promoted at local levels, especially in geographically disadvantaged areas.