Personal Menstrual Health Knowledge in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities
Laura St. John, Anmol Panech, Tara‐Leigh McHugh, Avra Selick, Yona Lunsky, Patricia Katherine Doyle‐BakerABSTRACT
Background
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are at risk of having poor health literacy related to menstrual health due to persistent barriers in accessing education, healthcare, and tailored resources; however, no research has explored this.
Objective
The primary objective of this study is to assess menstrual health knowledge in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Method
A cross‐sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from 75 Special Olympics athletes (age 37.3 years) using a subset of questions from the Socio‐Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Test‐Revised (SSKAAT‐R).
Results
The final analyses included 72 participants. Total scores on the SSKAAT‐R ranged from 0–8, with a median total score of 5. Few participants ( n = 25; 35%) were able to correctly respond to questions related to hygiene practices, with 65% ( n = 47) responding incorrectly.
Conclusion
Future research should focus on addressing the critical need for inclusive and accessible menstrual health education and resources for this population.