Factor influencing women with learning disabilities deciding to, and accessing, cervical and breast cancer screening: Findings from a Q methodology study of women with learning disabilities, family and paid carers

Kate Sykes*, Grant J. McGeechan, Hannah Crawford, Emma L. Giles

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)
47 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives
To understand knowledge of, attitudes towards and decision-making around cervical and breast cancer screening in women with learning disabilities, family carers and paid carers.

Methods
A Q methodology study involving 13 women with learning disabilities, three family carers and five paid care workers, from the North-East of England. A Q-sort of 28 statements was completed with all participants completing a post-Q-sort interview to understand the reason behind the card placements. Factor analysis was completed using PQMethod and interpreted using framework analysis.

Results
Factor 1, named ‘Personal choice and ownership’, explores how women with learning disabilities want to be supported to make their own decision to attend cancer screening and explored their preferred support needs. Factor 2, named ‘Protecting vs. enablement’, portrayed the battle family carers and paid care workers felt to protect women with learning disabilities from harm, whilst feeling that they were supporting women with learning disabilities to decide to attend cancer screening. Eight consensus statements were identified indicating a shared perspective.

Conclusions
Cancer screening services should ensure that women with learning disabilities are supported to make informed decisions to attend cancer screening and then be further supported throughout the cancer pathway.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13702
Number of pages8
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume31
Issue number6
Early online date12 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2022

Keywords

  • cervical screening
  • breast
  • learning disability
  • Q methodology
  • screening

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