Patient Experiences in Accessing Reproductive Health Services for Women With Cognitive, Intellectual, and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Disability Studies
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Individuals with disabilities encounter substantial barriers accessing healthcare services.
• A life-course and socio-ecological perspective is crucial for understanding these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies on the experiences of individuals with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities (CIDD) in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
• To identify key themes and barriers using a socio-ecological framework.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of six databases and gray literature (January 2010-June 2024).
• Narrative synthesis using a socio-ecological framework.
• Risk of bias and certainty of evidence assessments (GRADE and GRADE-CERQual).

Main Results:

• 26 studies included, analyzing preventive care, puberty, family planning, pregnancy, and cancer treatment.
• Individuals with CIDD showed lower preventive care, reduced contraception use, higher sterilization rates, and poorer obstetric outcomes.
• Caregiver support was prominent, but patient perspectives were underrepresented.

Conclusions:

• Prioritize the perspectives of individuals with CIDD, especially during puberty and menopause.
• Emphasize patient-centered approaches, caregiver support, provider training, and accessible healthcare infrastructure.
• Reduce barriers to SRH care for individuals with CIDD through policy and research.