A Scoping Review of Health Research with Racially/Ethnically Minoritized Adults with Intellectual and Developmental...

Area of Science:

• Health Equity Research
• Disability Studies
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Intersectional identities, disability, and minority status in the U.S. contribute to marginalization and health inequities.
• Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) from racial/ethnic minority groups face unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe existing health research on adult racial/ethnic minority individuals with I/DD in the U.S.
• To identify health disparities and differences in health experiences within this population.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of literature published since 2000 was conducted.
• Eight electronic databases were searched, yielding 5,229 records; 35 articles met eligibility criteria.
• Included studies focused on U.S.-based research on adults with I/DD, specifying race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine of the 35 articles reported health disparities for racial/ethnic minority adults with I/DD.
• These disparities indicated worse health outcomes compared to White adults with I/DD.
• Four articles detailed differential health experiences among various racial/ethnic minority groups.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for research that intentionally includes racial/ethnic minority individuals with I/DD.
• Novel methodologies are required to capture the experiences of historically marginalized voices.
• Future research should adopt an intersectionality approach to promote health equity.