Cancer screening learning for adults with intellectual disability.

objectivesCompared to the general population, persons with intellectual disability (ID) have a similar cancer rate, but cancer is often discovered at a later stage. Adults with ID show lower participation in organized screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Here we tested an intervention to increase cancer screening knowledge and intention to participate among persons with ID.

methodsAn open-label cluster randomized controlled trial was co-constructed with people having ID. Participants with ID underwent interventions about cancer screening or oral hygiene, using PowerPoint presentations, booklets, dice games, workshops, films, and discussions. Both groups completed a questionnaire two weeks before the intervention and at 15 min, three months, and one year after the intervention, which evaluated their knowledge gain and intention to participate in cancer screenings.

resultsAt 15 min, three months, and one year after the intervention, participants in the cancer group showed significantly improved cancer screening knowledge (p < 0.001). The intention to participate in screenings was increased on the intervention date (p < 0.001), but this change was non-significant three months later, and observed as a trend at one year (p = 0.068). A steering group of persons with ID gave advice regarding participant recruitment, conducting sessions, and modifying the film scenario, PowerPoint presentation, and questionnaire. Persons with ID co-constructed the booklet on cancer screening and acted in the film.

conclusionParticipation of persons with ID greatly improved the study efficacy. This research provides strong evidence supporting direct interventions for people with intellectual disability to increase their participation in organized cancer screening.