Robyn M. Powell

Health of Young Children Whose Mothers Have Intellectual Disability

Understanding the needs and experiences of parents with intellectual disability (ID) and their children is critical to ensuring that policies can effectively support these families. This research analyzed data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine the health outcomes of U.S. children whose mothers have (n = 263) and do not have ID (n = 1,298). Compared to mothers without ID, mothers with ID experienced worse outcomes related to socioeconomic status, limited support networks, and poor self-reported health. However, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, mothers intellectual disability was not associated with a child having fair or poor health, asthma, or being overweight or obese.

Breastfeeding Among Women With Physical Disabilities in the United States

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding are well established, and breastfeeding is now widely practiced in the United States. Although increasing numbers of women with physical disabilities are having children, little information is available about breastfeeding practices among these women. Nonetheless, the children of women with physical disabilities should benefit from breastfeeding just as children of nondisabled mothers do. Research aim: This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding among women with physical disabilities. Methods: This study involved semistructured telephone interviews with a convenience sample of women (N = 25) with diverse physical disabilities from across the United States. All participants had given birth within the past 10 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Analyses found four broad themes indicating facilitators to breastfeeding: (a) adaptations and equipment, (b) use of breast pump, (c) physical assistance from others, and (d) peer support. We also found five broad themes suggesting barriers to breastfeeding: (a) lack of supports, (b) disability-related health considerations, (c) limited information, (d) difficulties with milk production, and (e) difficulties latching. Conclusion: The need for greater supports for women with physical disabilities who desire to breastfeed as well as information for women and their clinicians about facilitating breastfeeding.

Reproductive Cancer Treatment Hospitalizations of U.S. Women With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

There is a dearth of existing research on the treatment of reproductive cancers among women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This study analyzed the 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample and compared the prevalence of reproductive cancer treatment hospitalization discharges among women with and without IDD. Discharges linked to women with IDD had higher incidences of cancer of the uterus and lower prevalence of cancer of the cervix. Moreover, discharges linked to women with IDD indicated these women were younger, had longer hospital stays, and were more likely to have public insurance coverage. Therefore, further research and targeted interventions to increase cancer prevention and screening are urgently needed.