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Challenges of empowering educable women with intellectual disability in sexual and reproductive health: qualitative study
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Maryam Farmahini Farahani1    , Ladan Fatahmoghadam2 , Keshvar Samadaee Gelehkolaee3 , Fovziye Sanaati4 , Mehrandokht Nekavand5 |
1- Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3- Assistant Professor, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Miandoab School of Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Iran
5- Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, TeMS.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran , nekavand.m@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (24 Views) |
Background: Women with intellectual disabilities often face numerous challenges. Acknowledging the significance of the issue of sexual and reproductive health and the unique complexities faced by this population, this study aimed to identify the challenges in empowering educable women with intellectual disability in the matters of sexual and reproductive health.
Materials and methods: This qualitative study used a content analysis approach in 2024. Data were collected through purposive sampling and individual, in-depth, and semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, including home caregivers, trainers, and experts in the field of reproductive and sexual health of women with intellectual disabilities, and analyzed using a structured content analysis method.
Results: Qualitative data analysis resulted in the extraction of 15 subcategories, 6 main categories, and the formation of 3 themes titled "isolation," "Instability of Independence," and "economic constraints".
Conclusion: Research findings show that most families with children with intellectual disabilities have not adapted to the phenomenon of their children's disabilities. Additionally, the significant societal stigma, prohibitive healthcare costs, and insufficient government support have rendered families feeling powerless in empowering their children, reinforcing their dependency. Therefore, educating parents about recognizing and accepting their emotional, psychological, and reproductive needs, along with government support in providing sexual and reproductive health services and increasing social acceptance, will enhance their capabilities in the area of reproductive and sexual health.
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| Keywords: Sexual health, Reproductive health, Intellectual disability, Empowerment |
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Full-Text [PDF 1088 kb]
(6 Downloads)
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Semi-pilot: Qualitative |
Subject:
Midwifery
Received: 2025/07/12 | Accepted: 2025/10/26 | Published: 2026/07/1
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