Accessibility of WASH facility and associated factors among students with disabilities: A Mixed method study at University of Gondar, Northwestern Ethiopia, 2024

Abstract Introduction : Limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services perpetuates poverty, illness, and a reduced quality of life, especially for disabled individuals who encounter significant barriers to essential facilities. Understanding the factors that influence the accessibility of WASH facilities is essential for developing inclusive policies and interventions. This study was aimed to assess the accessibility of WASH facility and associated factor among students with disabilities at University of Gondar, North west Ethiopia. Methods : An institution-based mixed cross-sectional study was conducted among students with disabilities at the University of Gondar from May 20 to June 20, 2024. A survey of 406 participants was included in the quantitative data using structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. The data were cleaned, coded, entered, and then analyzed using SPSS version 27 software. A binary logistic regression model was used, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the model. Qualitative data were collected from eight purposefully selected participants through in-depth interviews using open-ended questions until data saturation point was reached. The data were subsequently analyzed thematically using Open Code 4.02 software. Results : The accessibility of WASH facilities for students with disabilities was found to be 40.9%. Physical disability (AOR = 5.95, 95% CI: 2.60, 13.58), being not members of a disability organization (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.73, 5.54), poor personal hygiene (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.78), and a negative psychosocial perspective (AOR = 6.10, 95% CI: 3.74, 9.93) were factors contributing to the low accessibility of WASH facilities. As qualitative findings showed, barriers that hinder the accessibility of WASH facilities were environmental barriers, dependency on others, stigma and discrimination, impact on health and education, and recommendations for improvement. Conclusion : The accessibility of WASH facilities for students with disabilities was found to be low. Visual impairment, being membership in a disability organization, personal hygiene practice and positive psychosocial perspectives contributed to the inadequate accessibility of WASH facilities.