Engaging in dialogue with Women with Intellectual Disability and their Caregivers on Menstruation

A Qualitive Analysis

Abstract

Menstruation among women with intellectual disability is a complex phenomenon as they form a vulnerable group. Menstruating women with intellectual disability need special care and undivided attention by their caregivers, which increases their burden of responsibilities along with emotional and psychological strain and socio-economic complexities which affect the quality of life of both. The present study based on primary data through purposive sampling. The sample of the study is 30 respondents, (15 women with intellectual disability, aged 13-32 years; and their primary caregivers 15), in Chandigarh. The study seeks to investigate the issues pertaining to menstrual management, challenges and copying strategies adopted by women with intellectual disability and their caregivers. The women with intellectual disabilities, who are unable to manage menstruation independently, have shown to be burdensome for their caregivers. In order to have a holistic view on the issue, an attempt has been made to comprehend and highlight the challenges, with reference to day-to-day experiences of the caregivers, based on their narratives on managing menstruation of women with intellectual disability.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46700/asssr/2023/v5/i1/223395