Needs assessment of training midwifery, nursing, and medical students in sexual and reproductive health care for people with disabilities in Tanzania

Background: Tanzania has a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) crisis, a particularly vulnerable population of people with disabilities (PWD), and a need for healthcare providers trained in PWD-focused SRH care. However, SRH services are limited, and the inclusion of PWD in SRH efforts is rare in Tanzania. The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of addressing this critical gap by training future healthcare professionals in SRH for PWD. Objective: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a PWD-focused SRH training to be delivered to healthcare students attending Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: A mixed methods design via a survey taken by 409 medical, nursing, and midwifery student participants was employed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a new curriculum focused on the SRH needs of PWD. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics and reflexive content analysis. Results: Data indicate that 83.6% and 97.6% of medical, nursing, and midwifery students believe that an SRH training centered on the needs of PWD is feasible and acceptable, respectively. Moreover, findings indicated that 50.4% of medical, nursing, and midwifery students at MUHAS receive little to no training in SRH for PWD. Participants’ qualitative responses indicated that the training would improve the quality of life for PWD, address their vulnerability and healthcare neglect, and benefit society. Conclusion: MUHAS students find a PWD-focused SRH training to be feasible, acceptable, and needed, presenting an opportunity for great impact.