Barriers and Coping Strategies to Assistive Device Use Among Individuals With Physical and Hearing Disabilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: A Qualitative Study.

Background and Aims: It is estimated that globally, about 1.3 billion people live with disabilities, with 80% residing in low- and middle-income countries. In Ghana, individuals with physical and hearing impairments face barriers accessing assistive devices. Methods: The study used a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design conducted among 21 individuals with hearing and physical impairment from five districts in the Ashanti Region. The participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Results: The key barriers to the use of assistive devices among people with hearing and physical impairments included high cost, limited availability, and stigma. Coping strategies that emerged from the findings were adaptation through practice, mental resilience of the users, and the external support they had from family and friends who provided financial assistance or some of the assistive devices. Conclusion: In Ghana's Ashanti Region, assistive devices play a crucial role in the lives of people with disabilities, yet stigma, high cost, and limited availability continue to be major barriers to their usage. The government should launch subsidy programs to increase accessibility and affordability in order to address these issues. Furthermore, focused community awareness initiatives should be started in order to reduce stigma and change public perceptions of people with disabilities, allowing them to fully engage in society.