Implementation research on disability stigma reduction interventions

The Issue

This study has been designed by Ghana Somubi Dwumadie partners to fill an identified research gap both within Ghana and the global disability sector, on what works and what is acceptable for people with disabilities in the design, delivery and monitoring of interventions that aim to reduce disability and mental health stigma.

Tropical Health has been commissioned by Sightsavers to carry out the study exploring how Ghana Somubi Dwumadie interventions have been designed, delivered, monitored and to identify what went well and what can be improved regarding disability and mental health stigma reduction.

Our Approach

A mixed methods design was adopted. This included: a document review of programme reports and evaluations, in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and a final participatory workshop at the end of the field work with key stakeholders to validate and probe further on findings.

There were two stages to sampling; a purposeful selection of Ghana Somubi Dwumadie sites, and then purposeful sampling within sites to include: geographical spread, a spread of implementing partners but greater weight to Social Behaviour Change (SBC) grantees, and stigma work that targets people with different types of disabilities and mental health conditions.

Our Findings

The study are being summarised in a detailed research report. Dissemination will be made with programme stakeholders by mail and by presentation in an appropriate Ghana Somubi Dwumadie fora.

We are hopeful to secure funding so the findings will be developed into a policy brief for government stakeholders, a learning brief used for wider dissemination of the findings, and a peer reviewed publication for use within the disability sector.