「人々により多くの時間を与え、物事を適切に説明する時間を取る」：知的障害を持つ人々の子宮頸がん検診の経験

People with intellectual disability have 70% lower cervical screening participation rates. Limited research has captured their experiences, particularly in Australia.

This qualitative study used inclusive co-production and trauma-informed approaches. Eleven people with intellectual disability (aged 26-65) from New South Wales participated in semi-structured interviews and arts-based body mapping, analysed using reflective thematic analysis.

Four themes emerged: (1) healthcare interactions ranged from empowering to traumatic, with communication failures and rushed procedures; (2) tensions around informed consent and support roles; (3) gaps in accessible information and systematic reminders and (4) how past trauma and competing health priorities influenced screening. Participants recommended Easy Read materials, adequate appointment time, trauma-informed care and genuine choice in healthcare decisions.

Women with intellectual disability encounter systematic barriers to cervical screening encompassing communication failures, inadequate consent and lack of trauma-informed care. Their recommendations provide actionable solutions for healthcare reform.