Healthy lifestyle for people with intellectual disabilities through a health intervention program

Abstract

There are well known gaps related to health care service and public health interventions for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), but there is still lack of research information of what nurses can do to reducing health disparities of persons with ID. The present study aimed at exploring the views of people with ID about a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and to take part in a health promotion program. A qualitative method was an appropriate method for capturing the informants' points of view. Participants were adults with intellectual disability who would be able to give their consent verbally and in written form. Women (n = 7) and men (n = 6). Data were collected from focus group interviews and analysed according to a qualitative content analysis of the tape-recorded and verbatim transcribed interviews. The participants took part in four workshops about healthy food, and ten physical activities addressing the connection to physical, social and emotional health. The results of the focus group interviews show that participants have knowledge about the importance of a healthy lifestyle for good health including physical activity and healthy food. Participants also describe social interaction and self-determination as important aspects in their life. It could then be concluded that the health promotion program result point at consciousness about a healthy lifestyle. There is still lack of research information of what public health nurses can do to reducing health disparities of persons with ID. Public health nurses work in community-based services and therefore they also might support persons with ID through health intervention programs.

Health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities – A concept analysis

“…Particularly with regard to the attribute of ‘health education’, the relevant studies found that the interventions had a positive impact on people with ID and made them feel more empowered. Training people with ID in health rights , providing adults with ID with a diary to assess their own health , developing health‐related educational material about health promotion with respect to health literacy and listening to individuals’ perspectives on health were the most important alternative health‐promotion strategies that contributed to empowering people with ID.…”

Physical fitness of individuals with intellectual disability who have Special Olympics experience

“…Physical fitness and regular physical activity are key factors in health and wellbeing of all individu als, including those with an intellectual disability (ID) (Lorentzen & Wikström, 2012). Physical fitness in most definitions includes the following compo nents: body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, muscle strength and endurance, balance and flexibi lity.…”

Overweight/obesity and chronic health conditions in older people with intellectual disability in Ireland

“…Living independently/with family (78%) or in a community group home (74%) were the most frequently cited living arrangement related to excess weight. Moreover, the level of ID was significantly associated with a BMI ≥ 25, with mild or moderate ID posing Further challenges equating feelings of hunger and satiety to food consumption may also act as contributory factors (Rubbert 2012) signifying support to maintain a healthy lifestyle (Lorentzen & Wikström 2012).…”