Motherhood and Disability: The Experiences of Women with Mobility impairments in Southern Nigeria.
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Abstract
Background: Existing literature on motherhood and disabilities shows that mothers with mobility impairments are discriminated against based on their disabilities and motherhood status. This has resulted in several untold barriers encountered by this population. Purpose: This thesis attempts to give insight into the real-life experiences of mothers with mobility impairments in Nigeria and demonstrate how culture, level of education, and religion influence how motherhood and disabilities are perceived, and how this leads to the barriers encountered by mothers with mobility impairments. Method: This study utilizes a qualitative descriptive approach and a semi-structured interview method to obtain adequate data on the reality of being a mother with mobility impairments in Ibadan Nigeria. The participants comprised of seven mothers with mobility impairments aged 18-45, single or married mothers, who live in Ibadan Nigeria. Findings: The findings of this study show that deep-rooted cultural beliefs, level of education, and religion influence the misconceptions and negative attitudes encountered by mothers with mobility impairments in Nigeria. This has resulted in their discrimination and marginalization. Family support was found to be the best way mothers cope. Conclusions: Motherhood and disability would be so much easier if people were more aware and more educated about the presence of motherhood and disabilities, as well as related discrimination, negative attitudes, cultural and religious influence.