Exploring Barriers to Mammography Access for Women With Intellectual Disabilities: A Meta-Synthesis of the Perspectives of Four Stakeholder Groups

Background

Breast cancer is as frequent in women with intellectual disabilities as the general population, but the mammography uptake rate for women with intellectual disabilities is almost a third lower. This meta-synthesis aimed to explore physical and psychosocial barriers to mammography access for women with intellectual disabilities from the perspectives of the women themselves, healthcare professionals, paid carers and family members.

Method

A systematic search of six databases yielded 12 papers for thematic synthesis review.

Results

Three analytic themes were developed: (i) knowing what to expect; (ii) knowing who will assume responsibility and (iii) making adjustments.

Conclusions

Mammography screening elicits anxiety from both women with intellectual disabilities and their supporters (whether paid, family or healthcare professional). A formulation-based approach to mammography attendance may help to provide tailored information to women with intellectual disabilities, whilst easing the pressures placed upon their support network and healthcare professionals.