Health research initiatives have focused increasingly on women in the past decade, but not all women have been included equally. Among underrepresented minority constituencies, women with disabilities can still be found on the farthest margins of the health service system. Older women with intellectual disabilities, in particular, remain underrepresented in the national and world health research agendas. A critical problem is that there is little documentation of the health concerns and experiences of these women from their own perspectives. The authors' primary purpose for this study was to explore the health needs and experiences of women with intellectual disabilities who are confronting physical, psychological and social changes associated with the aging process. Instead of inferring these experiences solely from the reports of professional and family caregivers, the investigators explored the utility of a participatory approach that captured the direct reports of the women, in their own words and from their own perspectives. This paper reports the results of a qualitative analysis of focus group data from women with intellectual disabilities age 30 and above. Major themes emerging in the data analysis include: (a) issues of aging in general, (b) knowledge of women's health, (c) health promotion, (d) concerns about health care services and health professionals, and (e) perception of disability. The findings will be discussed in relation to the research literatures on disability and women's health, and methodology issues related to the use of focus groups in qualitative research involving women with intellectual disabilities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify major themes and key issues for women with intellectual disabilities regarding their own perceptions of aging, women's health and disability. 2. Analyze and critique issues related to methodology and the use of focus groups in qualitative research with people with intellectual disabilities. 3. Discuss implications for health promotion strategies and health service recommendations for women with intellectual disabilities as they age.
Keywords: Women's Health, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.