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| Vol. 23, No. 1 |
| January 15, 2001 |
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Study Targets Reproductive Care For Women With Disabilities By Lynn Foltin Baylor College of Medicine A visit to the doctor's office can be intimidating for a woman with a physical disability, particularly if reproductive health is a concern. That's why The Center for Research on Women with Disabilities at Baylor College of Medicine has launched a study to determine the reproductive health knowledge and behaviors of women with special needs. "From previous studies, we've realized that it's up to each woman to get all the information she can about her own condition," said Dr. Margaret Nosek, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor and director for the center, known as CROWD. "She has to understand how her disability affects her own reproductive health and advocate for her own rights for reproductive health care. She can't rely on the doctor to do it for her." The three-year study will offer a wide range of information that should help each woman improve her health and get the care she deserves. It will enroll 450 participants, who will be divided into three groups. One group will have access to a Web-based curriculum with additional links, while another will be given information in printed form only. The remaining group will receive information only after completing all evaluations. By comparing evaluations across the groups, investigators will be able to tell which method is most effective in helping women with disabilities improve their health-promoting behaviors. The packet of information, presented in a question-and-answer format, focuses on special disability-related concerns in reproductive health, including such topics as breast health, contraception, menopause and other mid-life health conditions, and sexually transmitted diseases. It also prepares a woman for her trip to the doctor for a well woman exam, and addresses pelvic exams, pap smears and other pertinent topics. "We've found one of the biggest barriers to getting a well woman exam is the exam table," Dr. Nosek said. "Either the table doesn't elevate or the woman has trouble getting on the table. Many women are told they don't need an exam because it's too awkward or inconvenient." However, if a woman possesses the knowledge, she can tell medical staff how she can be lifted and what precautions need to be taken. "We call this empowerment medicine. We don't want anyone to be a victim," Dr. Nosek said. "Just because a woman has a disability doesn't mean she should be ignored. She has a right to be examined." The Web curriculum and printed materials will become available to the general public at the end of the study. The study is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research as part of the Consortium on Health and Wellness for People with Disabilities at Oregon Health Sciences University.
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