Healthcare Barriers and Inequities: The Lived Experiences of Women with Intellectual Disabilities in Chile

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Healthcare Barriers and Inequities: The Lived Experiences of Women with Intellectual Disabilities in Chile
Language: English
Authors: Izaskun Álvarez-Aguado (ORCID 0000-0002-8021-525X), Vanessa Vega Córdova (ORCID 0000-0003-3333-4798), Miguel Roselló-Peñaloza (ORCID 0000-0001-5567-5513), Maryam Farhang (ORCID 0000-0001-6345-6329), Felipe Muñoz La Rivera (ORCID 0000-0002-6674-2168), Félix González-Carrasco (ORCID 0000-0001-7487-0154), Herbert Spencer González (ORCID 0000-0003-1484-4477)
Source: British Journal of Learning Disabilities. 2025 53(3):446-456.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Females, Access to Health Care, Barriers, Mild Intellectual Disability, Moderate Intellectual Disability, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Bias, Health Personnel
Geographic Terms: Chile
DOI: 10.1111/bld.12653
ISSN: 1354-4187
1468-3156
Abstract: Background: Women with intellectual disabilities face major barriers to healthcare access. This study explored the experiences of 120 women with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in Chile and their interactions with healthcare systems. Method: A qualitative design was used, collecting data through semi-structured interviews to examine communication challenges, discrimination and unmet support needs. Results: Participants reported difficulties understanding medical terminology, limited time for questions and a lack of visual aids. They also experienced discrimination, including infantilization and negative provider attitudes, which undermined their autonomy. The absence of tailored support, such as simplified materials and personalized guidance, further hindered their engagement with healthcare services. Conclusions: Findings highlighted systemic inequities influenced by gender and disability biases. Participants stressed the need for inclusive provider training and accessible communication tools. Recommendations included visual aids, specialized healthcare navigation support, and inclusive health education programs to improve equitable healthcare access.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1482093
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Background: Women with intellectual disabilities face major barriers to healthcare access. This study explored the experiences of 120 women with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in Chile and their interactions with healthcare systems. Method: A qualitative design was used, collecting data through semi-structured interviews to examine communication challenges, discrimination and unmet support needs. Results: Participants reported difficulties understanding medical terminology, limited time for questions and a lack of visual aids. They also experienced discrimination, including infantilization and negative provider attitudes, which undermined their autonomy. The absence of tailored support, such as simplified materials and personalized guidance, further hindered their engagement with healthcare services. Conclusions: Findings highlighted systemic inequities influenced by gender and disability biases. Participants stressed the need for inclusive provider training and accessible communication tools. Recommendations included visual aids, specialized healthcare navigation support, and inclusive health education programs to improve equitable healthcare access.
ISSN:1354-4187
1468-3156
DOI:10.1111/bld.12653