Can Women with Learning Disabilities Access Good Health Care? A Case Study of Cervical Screening

Abstract

Women are frequent users of health services, not only for themselves, but also for those for whom they care — children, dependent adults and older people. Their ability to access good and appropriate health care, both in their own right and as caregivers is, therefore, of paramount importance (Pavalko, 2000). Some women are more skilled and able to access appropriate care. For example, individuals in higher socio-economic groups do better than those in lower socio-economic groups in accessing health care (Townsend and Davidson, 1988), and in their survival of cancer and heart disease (Phipps, 1999). Reasons for inequalities are many, ranging from communication skills through to affordability (Northam, 1996). Many studies of take-up of health care such as immunization, screening and health clinics, conclude that poor and less well-educated people are less likely to take up services, or to use them appropriately. This is a situation which is both costly and may contribute to some diseases re-establishing themselves in vulnerable and socially excluded groups without early interventions. There are indications of a continuing and ‘growing division between the haves and have nots in our society’ (Millman, 1993: p. 4).