Universa Medicina
Vol. 45 No. 2 (2026): Ahead Of Print

Knowledge of people with visual impairment about contraceptives: an exploratory study

Dunja Stekić Djindjić (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired), Belgrade, Serbia)
Branka Jablan (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired), Belgrade, Serbia)
Vesna Vučinić (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired), Belgrade, Serbia)
Ivana Obrenović Ilić (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired), Belgrade, Serbia)
Valentina Martać (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation (Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired), Belgrade, Serbia)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Jul 2026

Abstract

BackgroundKnowledge and information about contraceptives are key factors for the protection of reproductive health. Evidence from various parts of the world reveal that women with disabilities are facing widespread barriers in accessing public services. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of visually impaired people about contraceptives in relation to gender and level of education. MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 32 visually impaired people of whom 12 (37.5 %) were male and 20 (62.5%) were female between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Part of the Illustrative Questionnaire for Interviews - Surveys with Young People was used to assess knowledge about contraceptives. Chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. ResultsRespondents with visual impairment were familiar with contraceptives. They believe that condoms and birth control pills are the most effective means of protection against unintended pregnancy. With regard to the perception of the effectiveness of contraceptives, there are statistically significant differences by gender (p=0.011) only for abstinence as an effective contraceptive. Differences by level of education were found in the responses to the two statements "The condom is an effective means of contraception" (p=0.022) and "Condoms are only used in casual relationships, not in long-term relationships and marriage" (p=0.048). ConclusionAlthough the visually impaired respondents showed that they have some knowledge about contraceptives, it is necessary to consistently organize additional education and provide information about reproductive health in an accessible form.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medicina

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Universa Medicina (univ.med) is a four-monthly medical journal that publishes new research findings on a wide variety of topics of importance to biomedical science and clinical practice. Universa Medicina Online contains both the current issue and an online archive that can be accessed through ...