Affordability, Accessibility, and Quality of Maternal Health Care Services and Level of Satisfaction of Mothers in Rural Areas in China

Objective:This study aimed to understand the affordability,accessibility,and quality of maternal and child health services for postpartum mothers,and their impact on satisfaction.Methods:The study utilized the Anderson model and revised the Maternal Pregnancy and Perinatal Health Service Questionnaire.A survey was conducted among 289 mothers aged 20–49 in Feicheng City.Results:Regarding accessibility,most respondents(133)reported that travel time to healthcare services exceeded 60 minutes,while 99 respondents indicated a travel time of 16–30 minutes.The issue of affordability was highlighted,with 86.85%of participants perceiving maternal healthcare services as costly,indicating a significant financial burden.More than 50%of respondents were satisfied with two specific dimensions(P<0.05)regarding the quality of maternal healthcare services.Conclusion:The study found that accessibility,affordability,and quality significantly affect mothers’satisfaction with maternal health services.Future research should focus on developing more suitable service pathways for rural mothers.

Bridging the gap: Addressing disparities in hepatitis C screening, access to care, and treatment outcomes

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)is a significant public health challenge globally,with substantial morbidity and mortality due to chronic liver disease.Despite the availability of highly effective and well-tolerated direct-acting antiviral therapies,widespread disparities remain in hepatitis C screening,access to treatment,linkage to care,and therapeutic outcomes.This review article synthesizes evi-dence from various studies to highlight the multifactorial nature of these dispari-ties,which affects ethnic minorities,people with lower socioeconomic status,in-dividuals with substance use disorders,and those within correctional facilities.The review also discusses policy implications and targeted strategies needed to overcome barriers and ensure equitable care for all individuals with HCV.Recom-mendations for future research to address gaps in knowledge and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce disparities are provided.

Equity of Accessibility to Health Care Services and Identification of Underserved Areas

Characterizing the availability of opportunities to residents has been a long-term aim in health care geographic investigation.It is important to measure the degree of inequity in health care accessibility and to identify underserved areas, due to the uneven distribution of health care services. In this study, JavaScript was used to calculate travel time based on Amap, as this can provide a more reliable data support to measure the health care accessibility in Xi’an communities, China. Based on the overall equity, herein, an attempt was made to quantify the equity of health care accessibility, and to identify health care underserved areas inside the different communities. Results show that the accessibility to low-level health care services is high in the northern areas and low in the southern areas, while the accessibility to high-level and comprehensive health care services shows a clear core-periphery spatial structure. Moreover, the overall equity of the health care accessibility is relatively low, and the inequity of high-level health care accessibility is further aggravated.Furthermore, the quantified equity of accessibility to high-level and comprehensive health care services in the central urban areas is better;however low-level health care services are relatively inadequate. There are significant differences among health care underserved areas, in particular, for the worst equity and the lowest accessibility areas(A1) and the worse equity and the lowest accessibility areas(B1) in high-level underserved areas. Notably, the sharing of health care services and the reasonable flow of health technical personnel among different levels of health institutions can make the high-level health care services in the central urban areas have a greater trickle effect on the surrounding areas.

Integration of Location-Allocation and Accessibility Models in GIS to Improve Urban Planning for Health Services in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

In this study, accessibility and location-allocation models have been integrated into GIS to improve spatial planning and environmental sustainability of health services in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. This integration provides a planning framework in order to check the efficiency of the spatial allocation of health services and to generate alternatives either by proposing an active service or to improve an existing one. To achieve these objectives, the accessibility to the service area was analyzed within the analysis of health services networks, which are divided into eight types: public hospitals, specialized hospitals, health units, healthcare centers, infirmaries, clinic complexes, the Red Crescent Center, and ambulance facilities, with time intervals of (5 minutes - 10 minutes - 15 minutes) to access coverage ranges, and the location-allocation model was used based on the maximum coverage model within a response time not exceeding 15 minutes, The results of the study revealed the poor distribution of health services Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah suffers from weak accessibility to health services coverage areas and is unable to meet the needs of its population at present. The current need for health services reached twenty-four locations, including two public hospitals, three specialized hospitals, two health centers, three ambulance facilities, four infirmaries, three clinic complexes, four health units, and three Red Crescent centers.

Health Status and Access to Health Services in Indian Slums

This paper analyzes the state of health and access to health services among the urban poor in India. Analysis is based on data from a primary survey conducted among 2000 households, covering 10,929 individuals from four cities of India. Summary statistics and regressions (using STATA) are used for data analysis. Results show lack of government facilities and services, a very high preference for private health facilities, high expenses especially in private but also in public facilities, and a perception that private facilities are offering high quality services as important concerns. An econometric analysis of the determinants of acute illness indicates the insufficiency of basic amenities like sanitation, garbage disposal and potable water. Together with the lack of availability of government health facilities in the vicinity, these results indicate continued vulnerability of the urban poor, and the need for urgent government action.

Accessibility and availability of health care services to internally displaced persons, in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda

Introduction: During 1986-2009, an estimated 1.6 million persons were internally displaced from northern and eastern regions of Uganda due to civil war. We investigated accessibility to and availability of health care services for the internally displaced persons in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kitgum and Pader districts, northern Uganda. We interviewed a total of 1383 respondents comprising 968 (70%) adults and 415 (30%) adolescents;60% were females and 40% males, randomly selected from 35 of 67 (52.2%) internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. We held 27 key informant interviews and 52 focus group discussions. Data were entered in EPI data version 3.02 and analysed using SPSS version 12.00 statistical packages. Findings: Two thirds of the respondents 67.5% lived within 5 km distance of a health facility. The majority 62.9% of respondents mentioned that health related information was readily provided. 43.5% of health providers were always available in a health facility. A quarter 25.1% of health facilities always had drugs available, while 56.9% of the drugs prescribed were always available. Two thirds of the respondents 65.9% were satisfied with the health care services provided. The main reasons for the choice of a health facility were proximity 29.6%, provision of free treatment 24.7% and availability of drugs 17.2%. Main barriers to health care access were due to the lack of financial resources, trained personnel, and inadequate drugs and supplies in the health facilities. Conclusions and Recommendations: The majority of IDPs lived in close proximity to health facilities and obtained health care services from public health facilities. Access to health care was determined mainly by proximity and availability of free services and drugs. Although geographic accessibility to health services was high, lack of finances, information and decision power hindered access to health care services.

Access to Supportive Health Services for People with Physical Disabilities: A Case of Health Facilities in Singida Rural District, Tanzania

Background: It is estimated that above one billion people (15%) of the world’s populations are living with disabilities. The poor and unfriendly infrastructure at health facilities is the core challenge for people with physical disabilities in accessing healthcare. This study aimed to explore at what extent the existing infrastructure and design of health facilities in Singida rural district, Tanzania supports people with physical disabilities to access healthcare. Methods: A cross sectional health facility-based assessment of all thirty-two functioning health facilities in the district was done between June and December 2020 using observational checklist and key informants’ interviews consist of measurement procedures of the architectural condition of health facilities. Observation checklist was designed based on standard of health facilities in Tanzania, national guideline for safe care standards for dispensaries, health centers and district hospital of 2014 and national guideline for water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities of 2017. Data were analyzed by SPSS-26 using descriptive statistics to obtain frequencies tables, percentage and figure. Qualitative data were analyzed by using NVivo-12 software. Results: The study revealed that there was no signage, entrance area, parking and toilets designated for people with physical disabilities in all health facilities. There was no special seat, examination table/bed and special weight scale for people with physical disabilities in all facilities. Also, the doors were not wide enough to support wheelchair user to maneuver in all health centers and dispensaries. In addition, door handles were not user friendly for wheelchair users. In fact, only the hospital and health centers had wheelchairs while 27 (96.4%) of all dispensaries had no wheelchairs. Furthermore, ramp and pathways were not available in all dispensaries. All health facilities had stairs but the challenge was most of the staircases had no floor located before the steps. Conclusion: The study revealed that the infrastructures in most healthcare facilities pose challenges to people with physical disabilities when they access healthcare services. These findings call for need of improving health facilities’ infrastructure to accommodate people with physical disabilities and this should be given a priority.

Access to Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents in the Educational System, Phetchaburi Province

This study was based on a descriptive research design. The population comprised of males and females aged between 15 and 19 years studying at the high school, college, and university levels in Phetchaburi, Thailand. The sample group size was calculated by using Taro Yamane＇s formula at a reliability level of .95. The instrument used was the questionnaire of College of Public Health as modified by Chulalongkorn University for use in research. Instrument quality was calculated by using the Kuder-Richardson 20 formula; an internal consistency value of.86 was obtained. According to the findings, the comparison of access to reproductive health services by adolescents at each level of education, the educational levels of the adolescents were similar to one another in that they were found to have received instruction about sexuality and reproductive health. The instruction most frequently received was on reproductive health and the least frequent subject was life skills, ability to adjust to daily lifestyles. The findings suggested that the capacity of medical and academic personnel should be developed in order to gain knowledge, attitudes to provide reproductive health services, especially on subjects concerning life skills and ability to adjust to daily life and interacting with the people surrounding adolescents, including skills on how to refuse sexual activity with partners.

Accessibility and Fairness of Public Service Facilities from the Perspective of Supply and Demand Coordination: A Case Study of Old Urban Area of Guangzhou City

The accessibility and fairness of public service facilities are important manifestations of the convenience and equality of urban public service resource allocation.Optimizing the layout of urban public service facilities is an inevitable requirement for promoting the construction of people centered cities.This paper takes the old urban area of Guangzhou as the research area,measures the accessibility of multiple types of public service facilities based on an improved two-step floating catchment method,and combines Palma Ratio and location quotient methods to explore the fairness of urban public service facilities from two dimensions:social equity and spatial equity,with supply and demand relationship analysis as the main line.Research has shown that:①there is a significant spatial difference in the accessibility of public service facilities in the old urban areas of Guangzhou,and the comprehensive accessibility is generally higher in the central and southeastern regions of the old urban areas with fewer residential populations;②from the perspective of social equity,the resource allocation of public service facilities in the old urban areas of Guangzhou is in a seriously unfair state(with a fairness index of 2.99),and there are also varying degrees of unfairness within the streets;③from the perspective of spatial equity,the location quotient of public service facilities in the old urban areas of Guangzhou shows a pattern of multil center circles decreasing,indicating a significant spatial mismatch between the accessibility supply side of public service facilities and the demand side of the residential population.The research conclusion will provide scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of urban public service facilities and ensuring the equalization of public services.

Attitude of Health Care Providers towards Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

The aim of the review was to synthesise the best available evidence regarding attitude of health care providers towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. The review was conducted following qualitative research method. An online search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), British Nursing Index (BNI), EMBASE and MEDLINE databases was conducted to identify relevant studies for the review. There were nine studies that met the inclusion criteria and these were critically assessed by two independent reviewers using the standardised Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal forms. Data were extracted using the standardised JBI data extraction forms. A narrative synthesis was done on the findings. Key findings from the review indicate that unprofessional attitude of health care professionals and lack of youth friendly reproductive health services, inhibit adolescents from gaining access to sexual and reproductive health services in developing countries. It is recommended that youth friendly reproductive health services be provided to increase uptake of re-productive health services by adolescents.

Physical Accessibility for Disabled People: Analysis of Toilet Facilities in Primary Health Care Units

Background: Accessibility enables the effective participation of disabled persons in public and private areas and the use of urban equipment and street furniture. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the physical accessibility of toilet facilities in urban and rural primary health care units. Methods: It was a quantitative descriptive study conducted in 157 Primary Health Care Units of 16 municipalities in the Baturité Massif region, Ceará, Brazil. The study took place from August 2014 to May 2015, with a checklist type form, designed from the Technical Standard 9050 of the Brazilian National Standards Organization, specifying the ideal access conditions established by law to allow mobility of persons with physical disabilities. Data were processed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and organized into tables. Results: Toilets designed for physically disabled people were accessible as the location and signs (59.9%), identified with symbols for males and females (57.3%);however, the doorway width was smaller than needed to accommodate a wheelchair (77.7%). Inside the bathroom, only the forward approach was possible (59.9%). Grab bars positioned on the side and rear walls were inadequate or nonexistent (67.6%);toilet seats (91.1%) and toilet paper dispensers (96.2%) were mostly in inaccessible heights;flush controls in appropriate height (59.2%) and activated by light pressure (58%). Sinks without pedestal (51%), but higher than recommended (80.3%) and without single handle faucets (95.6%). It was verified that the toilets of basic health units located in urban areas had better accessibility conditions compared to those in rural areas. Conclusion: Results showed that the analyzed units presented physical inaccessibility in some toilet facilities, making it difficult or even impossible the accessibility for the disabled. The inclusion of accessibility features in health services for this clientele provides equal opportunities and social inclusion.

Structural Accessibility of Gynecological Nursing Clinics for Users with Motor Disabilities in Basic Health Units

A quantitative descriptive study aimed to evaluate the physical structure accessibility of gynecological nursing clinics and their bathrooms in basic health units for users with motor disabilities. A checklist tool/instrument was applied for analyzing 16 items in the bathroom and four in the nursing clinic. 157 basic health units were evaluated. In the nursing clinic, counters and tables (79.6%) were accessible, but stretchers (93%), seats (93.6%) and doors (87.3%) were inaccessible;moreover, 17.8% of the units examined proved totally inaccessible. In the bathroom, the items with the best evaluation were the height of the toilet flusher (47%) with operation by slight pressure (44.6%) and the wall-mounted sink (42.7%). Bathroom doors and turning area/space for wheelchairs were inaccessible. No bathroom reached full accessibility, and 31.2% were entirely inaccessible. Non-compliance was evident of the standard 9050:2004 of the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards. Raising the awareness of health and engineering professionals is recommended to learn technical accessibility standards and implement them.

Assessment of reproductive health service utilization in urban slums: Evidence from Western Rajasthan

Objective:To assess the utilization of reproductive health services in urban slum of Jodhpur city,India.Methods:A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slums of Jodhpur city amongst 300 married women of reproductive age between March and June 2021.Semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather demographic data and information about utilization of antenatal care(ANC)services,delivery and post-partum services.Results:The majority of females were aged less than 25 years(n=195;65.0%),married after 18 years(n=240;80%),living in extended families(n=265;88.3%)and with monthly family income less than 10000 rupees(n=182;60.7%).Statistically significant associations were found between≥4 ANC visits and educational level of secondary and above(OR 2.47,95%CI 1.03–6.28;P=0.04),older age(OR 15.70,95%CI 14.87–16.54 for women aged 26-35 years,OR 16.14,95%CI 12.12–20.01 for women aged≥36 years;P<0.01),and backward and general castes(OR 15.91,95%CI 13.57–17.85 for backward caste and OR 8.11,95%CI 8.07–8.26 for general category of caste;P<0.01).Seven percent of females had undergone parturition.Older age was associated with higher risks of postpartum complications(OR 1.06,95%CI 1.01–1.57 for women aged 26-35 years,OR 3.56,95%CI 1.29–4.69 for women aged≥36 years;P<0.01).In addition,risks of postpartum complications were associated with backward and general castes(OR 1.69,95%CI 1.34–2.13 for backward classes and OR 5.01,95%CI 4.29–5.31 for general category castes;P<0.01),and more than 4 ANC visits(OR 0.20,95%CI 0.09–0.34;P<0.01).Conclusions:More frequent ANC visits are associated with a lower risk of postpartum complications.Furthermore,a high utilization of reproductive health services represents good implementation of reproductive and child health programme at the peripheral level resulting in a stark rise in maternal health indicators in the state of Rajasthan.

Neonatal Death Rates: Lack of Equal Access to Hospital Obstetric Service and Intensive Therapy

Aim: To identify the association between access to obstetric and neonatal hospital service and neonatal death rates. Method: Quantitative and retrospective research retrieved from Declaration of Live Newly-born Children;Declaration of Death;Investigation Chart on Municipal Child Mortality, between 2000 and 2009, at the Nucleus of Information on Mortality Rates. The population studied comprised 537 neonatal deaths and mothers with residence in the municipality, and investigated by the work team of the Committee for the Investigation of Mother-Child Deaths. Data were analyzed in Epi Info 2002? computer program and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences? was used. Chi-square Test and Fischer’s Exact Test were applied at p < 0.05. Results: 63.7% of 537 neonates were born in hospitals with maternities and neonatal intensive therapy unit;60.7% weighed ≤1.500 grams;76.7% had a pregnancy age of ≤36 weeks;73% died of asphyxia in the 1st minute and 73.5% died during the perinatal period. Throughout the ten years of analysis, access to hospital obstetric service without NITU reduced death rate from 25% in 2000 to 6.8% in 2009. There was a significant statistical association between place of delivery and maternal socio-demographic variables (maternal age bracket p = 0.028;schooling p = 0.000;family income p = 0.000);occupation p = 0.000) and neonatal variables (race/skin color p = 0.007;type of delivery p = 0.000;weight at birth p = 0.000;pregnancy age p = 0.000 and Apgar Score 1st minute p = 0.000 and Apgar Score 5th minute p = 0.007). Conclusion: Although the municipal government provides obstetric services and specialized neonatal care, this right is not extensive to all;gaps at different levels in mother-child care should be identified to reduce neonatal deaths.

Immigrants’ Satisfaction from the National Health System in Greece: In the Quest of the Contributing Factors

Immigrants deserve special attention as they constitute a very sensitive social group, facing an increasing risk of social exclusion. The access of immigrants to health services is one of the most important factors, which contributes to their integration into the society of induction. The purpose of this study is to track and assess the immigrants’ satisfaction from the health services provided by the Greek National Health System (NHS). The satisfaction level assessment is examined in conjunction with demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the study participants, as well as with the characteristics that are related to their personal experience with the National Health System in Greece. The research was conducted from March 2012 to May 2013. The sample of the research comprises of 126 “first-generation” immigrants on legal permit of residence in Greece, who lived in the prefecture of Attica. It is panel study based on “snowball sampling” and the statistical analysis was conducted with the use of the Stata (ver. 11), while the statistical analysis used probit estimation techniques. The demographic and social variables—particularly the variables of gender, “understanding the Greek language”, “education”, “participation in the community of origin” and “insurance”—the variables of “health” and specifically “long-term diseases” and the variable of “trust” are found to be highly related with immigrants’ satisfaction degree from the Greek health system. Our research concludes that health is a fundamental, human right and immigrants’ access to health services is essential not only for their instant and effective treatment of their health problems and the improvement of their lives but also for ensuring the public health in Greece. In order to properly incorporate immigrants in Greece in particular, the health policy decision-makers have to pay attention to the contributing factors.

Contribution of safe motherhood solidarity groups in using and accessing maternity services during a period of armed conflict

This report presents the results of a study on Reproductive Health done in North Kivu in September 2009. It was conducted by HEAL Africa, in partnership with the Provisional Division of Health, and financed by the University of Ottawa, Canada/CRDI with technical assistance from Western Cape University of South Africa. The study was conducted in the health zones of Birambizo and Kayna within the framework of the central office. The focus of the report is on one aspect of Reproductive Health—Low Risk Maternity. This study was conducted in rural areas given that Reproductive Health indicators are much weaker when compared with urban areas, according to EDS RDC, 2007 [1]. This study emphasizes the following points: General characteristics of the participants in the study, and the utilization and accessibility of maternity services in rural areas in conflict situations. The formula SPSS 12.0.1 was used to facilitate data analysis in the study. This study comes at a point in time when its relevance to HEAL Africa’s work will assist HEAL and its partners in determining the focus of interventions done in health zones in order to improve maternal and neonatal health. HEAL Africa firstly stepped into a Safe Motherhood pilot project in June 2006 for 9 months in the Masisi zone, then in 2007 in the Birambizo and Kayna health zones. In November 2007, HEAL expanded into Walikale and in October 2008, into Kirotshe, Binza, and Lubero. The intervention kit consists of reinforcing the capacity of existing health facilities, training traditional midwives who serve as a link between the community and the health structures, the provision of sanitary equipment, medical essentials and community mobilization was done through local leaders about health and reproduction, and organizing women of reproductive age in solidarity groups (SG) to generate maternity insurance. The community approach “Solidarity Groups for Maternity Insurance” constitutes the spine of HEAL Africa within the support it provides in Reproductive Health. The principal idea is to educate and train communities on how to use the MMR services that are available in their community, and to remove financial barriers to accessing health services. The 4 pillars that comprise the Safe Motherhood program are: family planning, prenatal care, safe assisted delivery and essential obstetric care. These four strategic measures are integral in assuring primary health care and equality for women. This study evaluates this approach, keeping in mind local strategies and their effects on improving the utilization and accessibility of reproductive health services.

Assessment of the Accessibility of Users in Primary Health Care

Objectives: The goal of this project was to evaluate the quality of the accessibility of the adult population to services in Primary Health Care, with a view to contribute to the development of measures that will propose improvement in the offered assistance. Methods: This is a quantitative and evaluative study made in the municipality of Santa Cruz, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, with a sample of 180 people. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte under Opinion number 152/2012. Results: It was found that the adult population classified the quality of care from regular to good, showing an association with the waiting time, time spent from the unit to one’s house and the reception. Conclusions: It could be concluded that this study contributes to the development of strategies able to provide a full and equitable care to the adult population in the primary health care network, since this is the gateway to other levels of care, because it aims to promote adult health and prevent diseases.

Health within the Leeds Migrant Roma Community;An Exploration of Health Status and Needs within One UK Area

Existing evidence shows that many Roma communities have received little attention in relation to their health requirements. Evidence illustrates how Roma communities suffer from poorer health and unhealthier living conditions when compared to majority populations, with their poor health closely linked to wider social determinants. This study explored the health status and associated health needs of the Leeds Roma migrant community, a hard to reach and under-explored group across Europe. Questionnaires (n = 70) and focus groups (n = 43) with Roma community members as well as interviews with health professionals (n = 5) working with them were used. The study found language was a key barrier to accessing health care and understanding health messages. Furthermore, participant’s understandings of the health system were hindered by their different experiences within their countries of origin. Self-reports illustrated low mental well-being, high levels of stress and unhealthy lifestyles as common issues. The research also highlighted several wider determinants of health as key concerns within the Roma community including housing, employment opportunities and money. The findings of this study contribute to increasing understandings of this community’s health needs, their support requirements and the barriers faced by them. These need to be considered to inform strategies and ways of working as mechanisms to tackle health inequalities and promote health within this community.

Expectations of survivors towards disaster nurses in Indonesia:A qualitative study

Objective: This study aims to explore the expectations of survivors towards disaster nurses.Methods: The study used qualitative content analysis.Data were collected in 2017 through three focus group discussions with 21 survivors and in-depth interviews with three community leaders;the respondents had experienced one of the following events: a) an earthquake in Padang 2009,b) a volcanic eruption in Yogyakarta 2010,and c) flooding in Jakarta 2014.Results: Four themes represented survivors' expectations of what nurses can do in responding to a disaster,including: a) provision of direct nursing care,b) provision of information of health service access,c) provision of resources through cross-sector coordination,and d) disaster preparedness activities for the community.Conclusions: This study suggests the importance of disaster nurses having the competency to update information regarding healthcare access,particularly the utilization of health insurance and providing culturally competent care to the survivors.Disaster nurses are also expected to be able to train the community and families about preparedness-related activities.Besides,these disaster nurses should improve their competency in disaster risk reduction.More broadly,such nurses should have the ability to advocate and coordinate with the local government and other stakeholders regarding access to healthcare services and continuous rapid assessment,so that survivors receive immediate and appropriate treatment.

Hearing Disability in Colombia Self-Perception and Associated Factors 2002-2008

Introduction: Hearing disability is a condition that affects normal ear function, as much in adulthood as in the first years of life. According to the 2005 Census, 6.3% of the Colombian population has some type of disability, of which 17.4% have hearing limitations, including those with hearing devices. Elucidating the conditions of this population and identifying the factors related to hearing disability will permit the management of strategies from different sectors to mitigate the consequences associated with this limitation. Objective: To estimate the self-perception of hearing disability in Colombia and to determine the factors associated with this limitation. Materials and Methods: The present study is cross-sectional, based on the analysis of secondary information obtained from the Registry for Localization and Characterization of Persons with Disability (RLCPD) during the 2002-2008 period. Socio-demographic and healthcare variables were analyzed. Results: 13.6% (102,648/750,377) of the population reported hearing limitations even with the use of special hearing devices. 43.52% (44,041) of people over 3 years of age could neither read nor write. 29.39% (30,145) of people who reported this limitation are not affiliated to any sort of health insurance system. Factors found to be associated with hearing limitations were: socioeconomic stratus (OR: 1.33;CI 95% 1.25;1.42), illiteracy (OR: 1.44;CI 95% 1.42;1.46) and lack of affiliation to a health insurance system (OR: 1.03;CI 95% 1.01;1.04). Conclusion: People registered with hearing disability live under vulnerable conditions;among them, most/the majority pertained to a segment of the population with low economic resources and had difficulty obtaining/accessing work, education and healthcare services.