Healthcare Barriers and Inequities: The Lived Experiences of Women With Intellectual Disabilities in Chile

Background: Women with intellectual disabilities face major barriers to healthcare access. This study explored the experiences of 120 women with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities in Chile and their interactions with healthcare systems. Method: A qualitative design was used, collecting data through semi-structured interviews to examine communication challenges, discrimination and unmet support needs. Results: Participants reported difficulties understanding medical terminology, limited time for questions and a lack of visual aids. They also experienced discrimination, including infantilization and negative provider attitudes, which undermined their autonomy. The absence of tailored support, such as simplified materials and personalized guidance, further hindered their engagement with healthcare services. Conclusions: Findings highlighted systemic inequities influenced by gender and disability biases. Participants stressed the need for inclusive provider training and accessible communication tools. Recommendations included visual aids, specialized healthcare navigation support, and inclusive health education programs to improve equitable healthcare access.