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Research opportunity looking at SPP in people with Learning Disabilities

We have been contacted by Sameya Shazad, who is a final year undergraduate student in the School of Psychology, Cardiff University leading an undergraduate dissertation project.

The project is an interview-based study that aims to understand the experiences and needs of carers of people with learning disabilities who experience severe period pain. The aim of the project is to inform needs around the development of educational resources for carers and can therefore provide a strong rational for future funding applications. 

Ethical approval has been granted by the School of Psychology Research Ethics Board at Cardiff University [EC.25.02.11.7159G]. 

Their project supervisor is Dr Sofia Gameiro, lead for Underserved women groups in the Women’s Health Research Wales, a research centre funded by Health and Care Research Wales solely dedicated to eliminate inequalities in the health of women, girls and people assigned female at birth.

Severe period pain (SPP) is defined by the NHS as period pain that makes it difficult to do your everyday activities (e.g., think, move, sleep).  SPP affects up to 29% of women, girls, and people assigned female at birth, and is associated with significant negative impact including frequent school or work absenteeism/presenteeism and decreased emotional wellbeing. Symptoms typically start around puberty and can persist across the reproductive lifespan.
Sameya is looking to talk to parents/carers/support workers who have experience of caring for women with a learning disability who experience severe period pain.
Participation would involve an interview (lasting up to 1 hour) with Sameya and/or with her research supervisor (Dr Sofia Gameiro).
The interview will ask questions about experiences caring for women with learning disabilities living with SPP, learning about SPP, and seeking healthcare for SPP.  Participants will be entered into a £20 prize draw as a thank you for their contribution.
If you are interested in supporting this research, please get in touch with Sameya by emailing ShazadS@cardiff.ac.uk
Please find below the poster and some more information.
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By All Wales Forum of Parents and Carers of People with Learning Disabilities