Explaining reproductive health inequalities amongst people with intellectual disabilities : a meta-narrative review protocol

Kaley, Alexandra and Eastham, Rachael and McMahon, Martin and Merrett, Nicola (2024) Explaining reproductive health inequalities amongst people with intellectual disabilities : a meta-narrative review protocol. BMJ Open, 14 (12): e085459. ISSN 2044-6055

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Abstract

Introduction: People with intellectual disabilities experience health inequalities at a greater level than their non-disabled peers. Notably, while general health status is starting to receive some attention, the reproductive health and rights of people with intellectual disabilities continue to be understudied from a policy and research perspective. The objective of this review is to elucidate the complex interplay between individual, social and structural factors that influence reproductive health outcomes for this population. The findings will be used to develop a theoretical framework to explain how and why reproductive health inequalities persist for people with intellectual disabilities and to identify gaps in the knowledge base to inform future research on this topic. Methods and analysis: A six-stage meta-narrative review will be undertaken to synthesise the available evidence that seeks to explain the reproductive health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities and the factors contributing to these inequalities. The protocol for this review was developed in accordance with the Realist And MEta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards publication standards, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol guideline is completed to ensure transparency. Ethics and dissemination: This meta-narrative review protocol does not require formal ethics review because it will be based on published studies. The findings from this review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences. We will also produce our findings in a range of accessible and easy-to-read formats. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024495199.