Background: Effective cancer screening must be available for all eligible individuals without discrimination. Lower rates of cervical and breast cancer screening have been reported in certain groups compared with women from the general population, such as women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Research on the factors explaining those observed differences is crucial to determine whether practices are unfair and could be improved. The aim of this population‐based study was to describe cancer screening utilisation by women with IDD in Ontario, Canada compared with other women in Ontario. The specific objectives were (1) to estimate the rates of cervical and breast cancer screening among eligible women with IDD in Ontario; (2) to compare the rates of cervical and breast cancer screening between eligible women with and without IDD; and (3) to examine if any observed differences between women with and without IDD persist after factors such as age, socio‐economic status, rurality and healthcare utilisation are accounted for.Method: This study draws women with IDD from an entire population, and draws a randomly selected comparison group from the same population. It controls for important confounders in cancer screening within the limitations of the data sources. The study was conducted using health administrative databases and registries in Ontario, Canada. Two cohorts were created: a cohort of all women identified as having an IDD and a cohort consisting of a random sample of 20% of the women without IDD.Results: The proportion of women with IDD who are not screened for cervical cancer is nearly twice what it is in the women without IDD, and 1.5 times what it is for mammography.Conclusions: Findings suggest that women with IDD experience inequities in their access to cancer screening. Public health interventions targeting this population should be implemented.
This paper provides information about the prevalence and topography of self-injurious behavior in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Dominant models regarding the etiology of self-injury in this population are reviewed, with a focus on the role of reactivity to pain and sensory input. Neuroimaging studies are presented and suggestions are offered for future research.
14 March 2021 in Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Introduction: COVID-19 has adversely impacted the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While there is emerging research examining how to support the mental health of this population during the pandemic, the perspectives and experiences of people with IDD have been largely absent.Methods: Nine virtual interviews were conducted with adults with IDD to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their wellbeing and mental health care. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically.Results: Findings centered around three main themes: (1) the impact of the pandemic on daily life and wellbeing; (2) a need for connection; and (3) availability and access to mental health supports.Conclusion: Participants described significant challenges to their health and wellbeing related to the pandemic and public health measures, but also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of this new adversity. Findings highlight ways to support the wellbeing of adults with IDD and how social determinants impact mental health.
13 June 2017 in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders