Developmental stages and estimated prevalence of coexisting mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions and service use in youth with intellectual disabilities, 2011-2012

Population Level Mental Health Diagnoses for Youth with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Compared to Youth without Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

There is evidence in the literature that youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) experience mental health issues to a greater extent compared to youth without IDD. In addition, transition from pediatric to adult services may be a period of increased anxiety and mental health problems for these youth. This study used a retrospective cohort design using population level administrative health data to compare mental health diagnoses between youth with IDD and youth without IDD; particularly examining the period when youth transition from pediatric health services to adult health services. In addition, this study compared the mental health of youth with various types of IDD (Down syndrome, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome and other rarer diagnoses). Results showed that at the population level youth with IDD have greater odds of anxiety/depression or psychotic illness than youth without IDD. Adjusted odds of anxiety/depression or psychotic illness also varied with age, income level, sex, and type of IDD. Youth with fetal alcohol syndrome had the greatest odds of both anxiety/depression and a psychotic illness. Odds of anxiety/depression increased from age 15-19 years old. Odds of a psychotic illness increased from age 15 to age 24 years old.

The Hospitalized Adolescent

This clinical report provides pediatricians evidence-based information on the developmentally appropriate, comprehensive clinical care for hospitalized adolescents. Included in this report are opportunities and challenges facing pediatricians when caring for specific hospitalized adolescent populations. The companion policy statement, “The Hospitalized Adolescent,” includes detailed descriptions of adolescent hospital admission demographics, personnel recommendations, and hospital setting and design advice, as well as sections on educational services, legal and ethical matters, and transitions to adult facilities.

Mental health problems in children with intellectual disability

Intellectual disability ranks in the top ten causes of disease burden globally and is the top cause in children younger than 5 years. 2-3% of children have an intellectual disability, and about 15% of children present with differences consistent with an intellectual disability (ie, global developmental delay and borderline intellectual functioning). In this Review, we discuss the prevalence of mental health problems, interventions to address these, and issues of access to treatment and services. Where possible, we take a global perspective, given most children with intellectual disability live in low-income and middle-income countries. Approximately 40% of children with intellectual disability present with a diagnosable mental disorder, a rate that is at least double that in children without intellectual disability. Most risk factors for poor mental health and barriers to accessing support are not unique to people with intellectual disability. With proportionate universalism as the guiding principle for reducing poor mental health at scale, we discuss four directions for addressing the mental health inequity in intellectual disability.

Exploring perceptions of positive mental health in young adults with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Despite having higher levels of mental health difficulties than the general population, limited research exists about how individuals with intellectual disabilities view mental health. Providing education about mental health literacy can contribute to maintaining positive mental health. Individuals who understand positive mental health are more likely to take steps to improve their mental health.

AIMS

This study explores how young adults with intellectual disabilities conceptualise and define the concept of positive mental health.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Eight participants were interviewed using phenomenographic methods.

RESULTS

Using phenomenography as the approach, four categories of description emerged from the analysis and included defining positive mental health as related to physical health, lack of clarity about positive mental health, positive qualities (emotions and actions) and mental health components.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights the need for further research, exploring how to provide support through psychoeducation to individuals with intellectual disabilities about mental health.

Validation of an Instrument for Assessing Elder Care Needs in Iran

BACKGROUND

The notable growth of the senior citizens population has caused problems and concerns in areas like healthcare, social care, and participation in society. The present paper is aimed at validating a Farsi version of the "International classification of functioning, disability, and health" for assessing elderly care needs in Kermanshah, Iran.

METHODS

The original version of the tool was translated into Farsi using forward-backward method. The study group consisted of 301 senior citizens who were selected through cluster sampling. Validity of the tool was examined using Waltz and Basel's content validity index, face validity, and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the tool was examined using Cronbach's alpha and internal correlation. Data analyses were performed in SPSS-25 and Amoss-16.

RESULTS

Following confirmatory factor analysis, the number of factors decreased from nine to eight. The R2 index in the above model was estimated equal to 0.99; this indicates that 99% of the dependent variable changes (total score of ICF) are explained by the independent variables (eight items). All the indices were above 0.9, which indicates significance of the model (χ2/DF=2.7, CFI, NFI, GFI, TLI=0.9, REMSEA=0.078, R2=0.99). In addition, using internal correlation, the reliability of the tool obtained was equal to 0.77 for the whole tool and 0.7-0.87 for the sub-scales.

CONCLUSION

The Farsi version of ICF had acceptable and applied specifications to assess the care needs of senior citizens and it can be used as a valid tool in different areas of nursing performance and elderly health.