Abstract
BackgroundMenstrual pain which is severe enough to impact on daily activities is very common amongst menstruating females. Research suggests that menstrual pain which impacts on daily functioning may be even more prevalent amongst those with intellectual disabilities. Despite this, little research attention has focused on pain management programmes for those with intellectual disabilities.The aims of this pilot study were to develop and evaluate a theory-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programme for menstrual pain management in young women with intellectual disabilities.Methods/DesignThe study utilised a mixed methods controlled clinical trial to evaluate elements from a CBT programme called Feeling Better (McGuire & McManus, 2010). The Feeling Better programme is a modular, manualised intervention designed for people with an intellectual disability and their carers. The programme was delivered to 36 young women aged 12 – 30 years who have a Mild - Moderate Intellectual Disability, split between two conditions. The treatment group received the Feeling Better intervention and the control group received treatment as usual. To evaluate the effectiveness of the programme, measures were taken of key pain variables including impact, knowledge, self-efficacy and coping. Process evaluation was conducted to examine which elements of the programme were most successful in promoting change.DiscussionParticipants in the intervention group were expected to report the use of a greater number of coping strategies and have greater knowledge of pain management strategies following participation in the intervention and at three month follow-up, when compared to control group participants. A significant advantage of the study was the use of mixed methods and inclusion of process evaluation to determine which elements of a cognitive behavioural therapy programme work best for individuals with intellectual disabilities.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN75567759
Highlights
Menstrual pain which is severe enough to impact on daily activities is very common amongst menstruating females
A significant advantage of the study was the use of mixed methods and inclusion of process evaluation to determine which elements of a cognitive behavioural therapy programme work best for individuals with intellectual disabilities
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) framework was used for the diagnoses of intellectual disability and participants IQ scores were in the range 35 – 70
Summary
Menstrual pain which is severe enough to impact on daily activities is very common amongst menstruating females. Morrison and McGuire [2] examined chronic pain in adults with an intellectual disability and found that chronic pain was experienced by 15% of adults with an intellectual disability, based on caregiver report Whilst this is consistent with reports of the frequency of chronic pain in the general population, it has been suggested that this may be an under-estimate of the extent of the issue in those with intellectual disabilities, especially amongst those who are non-verbal or have a more severe level of disability [3]. Whilst the use of proxy respondents can be beneficial in gathering information about the pain experience of those with significant intellectual disabilities and communication challenges, this method presents its own challenges including the issue of reliability of carer report Other methods such as structured behavioural observation offer a reliable and valid alternative [4] and the use of more than one source of information increases the reliability of the information obtained
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
