Healthcare service utilization among children with physical disabilities in Ghana: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Children with physical disabilities in Ghana face significant barriers to healthcare access despite policy commitments to universal health coverage. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes evidence on barriers, facilitators, and policy factors influencing healthcare utilization among children with physical disabilities in Ghana. Methods: Guided by the Social Model of Disability and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and institutional reports (2010–2025) was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria and were analyzed thematically. Results: Key barriers include inaccessible infrastructure, transportation challenges, financial constraints, negative provider attitudes, and cultural stigma. Facilitators include caregiver resilience, community-based rehabilitation, assistive devices, and NGO support. Policy implementation gaps, particularly weak enforcement of Ghana's Disability Act (Act 715) and limited NHIS coverage for disability-specific services, perpetuate inequities. Conclusion: Achieving disability-inclusive healthcare requires coordinated action: strengthening policy enforcement, expanding financial protection, and investing in accessible, community-based services