Perinatal health framework for people with intellectual disability

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Disability Studies
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Perinatal health outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are under-researched.
• Existing frameworks do not adequately address the unique needs and determinants of health for this population.
• Reproductive justice and trauma-informed care principles are crucial for understanding perinatal health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive framework for guiding research on perinatal health in people with intellectual disability (ID).
• To identify factors contributing to perinatal health disparities across the life course.
• To inform the development and evaluation of interventions and resources.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel framework integrating multiple theoretical models.
• Incorporation of the socio-ecological model to examine influences at various levels (policy, community, institutional, interpersonal, individual).
• Consideration of diverse factors including health policies, social determinants, trauma histories, and individual characteristics.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework encompasses a multi-level, life-course approach to understanding perinatal health outcomes in people with ID.
• It highlights the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy factors.
• The framework provides a structured method for analyzing disparities and guiding future research.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework offers a robust structure for advancing research on perinatal health for individuals with intellectual disability.
• It emphasizes a holistic approach, considering a wide range of determinants from individual to policy levels.
• This framework is essential for addressing and mitigating perinatal health disparities in this vulnerable population.