Work

Personal Menstrual Health Knowledge in Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

DOI: 10.1111/jar.70315

Authors: Laura St. John, Anmol Panech, Tara‐Leigh McHugh, Avra Selick, Yona Lunsky, Patricia Katherine Doyle‐Baker

Institutions: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, O'Brien Institute for Public Health

Language: English

Topic: Menstrual Health and Disorders

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,600