Health targets for people with an intellectual disability

Understanding the use of breast cancer screening services by women with intellectual disabilities

“…From their comments social trainers are unlikely to take it upon themselves to examine clients. Even if they did, there are few educational materials available about CBE or breast awareness that specifically address the needs of women with intellectual disability (Beange et al 1999). Indeed, materials for general health promotion and education among people with intellectual disability are minimal (Anderson & Fox 1988;Turner & Moss 1996;Lennox et al 2000).…”

Effects of health screening for adults with intellectual disability: a pooled analysis

“…[1][2][3] Barriers to providing satisfactory health care include difficulties gaining access, short consultation times, and communication difficulties. 4 Beneficial effects of health screening in adults with intellectual disability have been reported; [5][6][7] however, recruitment in this population is difficult, 4,8 and individual studies have been small and effect estimates unstable.…”

People with an intellectual disability in the discourse of chronic and complex conditions: an invisible group?

“…Notably, people with intellectual disabilities continued to experience high mortality rates, preventable deaths, and limited attention to regular physical or mental health assessment or health promotion. 13 The second issue concerns the health of the family, particularly the mother, who in meeting the needs of her child may lose sight of her own needs, ignoring changes in her health status or the presence of symptoms. 14 Notably, 30% of children with a disability live within a single parent family compared with 18% of children without disabilities, reflecting the stress on relationships.…”

“…16 A range of health targets have been identified for people with intellectual disabilities that have been selected because the conditions were "highly prevalent, easily detected and respond to treatments that are readily available". 13 (p. 285) These goals have been devised to:…”

“…13 Targets for health interventions address: dental health, as many people with intellectual disabilities lack understanding of treatment regimes; 17 sensory impairments requiring regular monitoring as early as possible; 18 nutrition, which is often linked to swallowing difficulties, subsequent weight loss or obesity. 19 Constipation is a sadly neglected issue, with overuse of aperients and a lack of awareness of bowel movements; 20 epilepsy has been found to occur in 20% of people with an intellectual disability; 21 and there is a higher risk of hypothyroidism in people who have Down syndrome, 22 and osteoporosis due vitamin D deficiency.…”