Health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities - A concept analysis

Pay Attention to Hypertension (PAtH): Findings from a cardiovascular health promotion intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities participating in Special Olympics programming

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects adults globally. People with intellectual disabilities (PWID) may be at higher risk of CVD and associated risk factors (e.g. obesity, hypertension, and diabetes). We developed Pay Attention to Hypertension (PAtH), a cardiovascular health promotion intervention, and tested its impact on changes in blood pressure (BP), lifestyle behaviours and health-related empowerment among PWID.

METHODS

PAtH was developed with a Special Olympics community organisation that supports PWID in developing self-confidence and social skills through participation in sports. The 6-month intervention consisted of 1-h individualised virtual sessions delivered monthly by nursing students/novice nurses. Sessions covered specific themes, including monitoring BP, adopting healthy lifestyles and managing stress, and were individually tailored to the capacities and needs of participants. A single group pre-post-intervention design was used to assess the intervention's effects among participants who completed the intervention and data collection. Data included baseline and follow-up BP measurements from 7-day logbooks and questionnaires assessing lifestyle behaviours [physical activity (PA), screen time and diet], and health-related empowerment.

RESULTS

Seventy-four participants were included in the analyses. Between baseline and follow-up, there were no changes in systolic and diastolic BP, PA or leisure screen time. The proportion of participants who reported adding salt when cooking decreased from baseline to follow-up (19.7% vs. 12.7%, P = 0.034), and we found improvements for several items measuring health-related empowerment (P ≤ 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Improvements in health-related empowerment were found following PAtH. More intensive interventions may be needed to result in changes in lifestyle behaviours and BP. The integration of adapted cardiovascular health promotion initiatives within well-established community organisations such as Special Olympics is a promising avenue to contribute to cardiovascular health promotion among PWID.

World Psychiatric Association-Asian Journal of Psychiatry Commission on Public Mental Health

Although there is considerable evidence showing that the prevention of mental illnesses and adverse outcomes and mental health promotion can help people lead better and more functional lives, public mental health remains overlooked in the broader contexts of psychiatry and public health. Likewise, in undergraduate and postgraduate medical curricula, prevention and mental health promotion have often been ignored. However, there has been a recent increase in interest in public mental health, including an emphasis on the prevention of psychiatric disorders and improving individual and community wellbeing to support life trajectories, from childhood through to adulthood and into older age. These lifespan approaches have significant potential to reduce the onset of mental illnesses and the related burdens for the individual and communities, as well as mitigating social, economic, and political costs. Informed by principles of social justice and respect for human rights, this may be especially important for addressing salient problems in communities with distinct vulnerabilities, where prominent disadvantages and barriers for care delivery exist. Therefore, this Commission aims to address these topics, providing a narrative overview of relevant literature and suggesting ways forward. Additionally, proposals for improving mental health and preventing mental illnesses and adverse outcomes are presented, particularly amongst at-risk populations.

Health challenges in South Dakota: Creation of healthcare provider referral list for Special Olympic athletes

Special Olympics promotes the health of their athletes year-round and offers their athletes options to obtain free health screenings. Following screening events, athletes often have difficulties finding needed referral care. Obstacles to finding a healthcare provider (HCP) for a referral is what necessitates the need for a state-wide HCP referral list in South Dakota. Creation of a HCP referral list was done via an online two-part survey and sent to HCPs throughout the state of South Dakota. Currently, this is the only database of healthcare providers that is accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that are members of Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD). While the created referral list offers increased opportunities to access HCPs in South Dakota, there are still limits to ensuring easy access to HCPs throughout the entire state.

Fostering resilience in young people with intellectual disabilities using a 'settings' approach

The need to foster resilience amongst young people with intellectual disabilities is increasingly recognised within policy. Critically, understanding of the actual means by which this aspiration might be most sensitively and effectively met is considered weak. This paper reports on an exploratory case-study of a social enterprise community café - The Usual Place - that through the promotion of employability, seeks to promote resilience amongst its young 'trainees' with intellectual disabilities. Two research questions were set: "how is 'resilience' conceptualized within the organisation" and "what features within the organisation are significant in fostering resilience"? We identify a range of significant features associated with being able to successfully foster resilience - the need for a foundational 'whole organisation'(settings) approach based on high levels of participation and choice; the negotiation of a constructive dynamic tension between 'support' and 'exposure'; and the embedding of these actions in embodied actions and day-to-day organisational activities.

Pattern of multimorbidity in middle-aged and older-aged people with mild intellectual disability in Australia

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, now constitute a major proportion of ill-health across most adult and older populations including in people with intellectual disability. The current paper is a comparative analysis of prevalence of NCDs across mid-aged and older-aged people with mild intellectual disability.

METHOD

Comparative data comes from two cross-sectional surveys using similar methodology and timeframes. The analysis sample comprises mid-aged group (30-50 years, N = 291) and older-aged group (≥60 years, N = 391).

RESULTS

People with mild intellectual disability start developing NCDs in early to mid-adulthood and increases with age. The mean number of NCDs in mid-aged group was 0.86 (SD, 0.84) compared to 3.82 in older group (SD, 2.67).

CONCLUSION

There needs to be early identification and management of NCDs using relevant health promotion and preventative measures at optimal intervention points. The training of healthcare professionals needs improvement.

[Support Needs for Health Promotion of Community-Dwelling People with Disabilities: Perspectives of Operators Managing Disability Supportive Housing]

PURPOSE

Recent studies have focused on policies aimed at supporting the independence of individuals with disabilities in communities. As part of this initiative, supportive housing, integrated care, and residential spaces offer tailored services based on individual needs and autonomy. The attitudes and knowledge of the administrators supporting supportive housing residents regarding health management can influence the well-being of individuals with disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the challenges faced by supporting housing workers in enhancing the self-management skills of individuals with disabilities.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, focus group interviews were conducted in August 2023 with nine administrators working to support housing in Seoul. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

RESULTS

The needs and challenges in enhancing the self-management skills of individuals with disabilities were as follows: (1) the complexity of health management challenges, (2) bidirectional strategies for strengthening health management capabilities, and (3) support for systematic health management. Additionally, eight subthemes were derived.

CONCLUSION

By investigating the difficulties experienced and identifying the necessary support requirements for supportive housing workers, this study seeks to uncover insights and identifies areas for improvement and strategies for health management. This study acknowledges the educational and institutional support necessary to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with disabilities residing in supportive housing.

A 6-Week Virtual Exercise/Dance Program Impacts Fitness Levels for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities:: A DNP Project

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience age-related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity much earlier than their typical peers. Therefore, health promotion is essential in this population.1 This population tends to live sedentary lives; exercise needs to be a focus. Exercise positively impacts survival rates for those with ID.2 Motivation and support are vital factors to successfully incorporate exercise into their lives. Prevalent barriers are a lack of access to health promotion programs, support, and transportation. Creating virtual programming with exercise and support can fill this gap. The implementation of a 6-week virtual exercise/dance program with music as a motivator Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, enabled adults with ID to participate in physical activity resulting in improved cardiovascular and muscular fitness using Standing Long Jump (SLJ) and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) as measures. No improvement was noted in Body Mass Index measurements.

Qualitative methodological approaches involving participants with intellectual disabilities: Scoping review of literature exploring death and dying

BACKGROUND

A paucity of qualitative research on sensitive topics that focuses on participants with intellectual disabilities leaves their views unexplored. This scoping review mainly aimed to provide an overview of qualitative data collection methods used in research involving participants with intellectual disabilities to explore death and dying.

METHOD

A scoping review of primary research and methodological papers published between January 2008 and March 2022 was conducted. The PRISMA-ScR checklist was followed.

RESULTS

We identified 25 articles utilising four data collection methods: interviews, focus groups, the Nominal Group Technique, and participant observation. Data collection trends were identified, including accommodations for participants with intellectual disabilities, visual media used as a facilitator, and reporting of distress protocols. Most participants had mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The included studies demonstrate a flexible approach that relies on the use of multiple methods. Future research must adequately report study characteristics to ensure transparency and reliability.

Impact of participation in Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® on attitudes of health professionals through direct contact with people with intellectual disability

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the participation of students and health professionals who provided free health screenings for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) during their sports competitions on their attitudes toward people with ID.

Methods

Quantitative data were collected from 51 students and health professionals during the 2017 Summer Games organised by Special Olympics Québec. A single group test-retest design was used. Descriptive analyses and univariate t test analyses with paired samples were performed. Two instruments were used: the Attitudes toward Intellectual Disability - Short Form (ATTID-SF) questionnaire and a questionnaire on attitudes toward people with ID in a clinical context.

Results

The respondents' attitudes improved significantly on two of the five ATTID-SF factors (Interaction and Sensitivity or tenderness) and on seven of the 23 items in the questionnaire on attitudes in a clinical context. The largest pre-post differences were observed for feeling more comfortable interacting with people with ID.

Conclusions

This study suggests that it is possible to improve attitudes, and more specifically the behavioural dimension of attitudes, through social and professional experiences fostering direct contact between health professionals and people with ID, and that this could contribute to better health care for this population.

Case management and care expertise as a prevention approach for adults with intellectual disabilities (FaPP-MgB): study protocol for a randomized-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Adults with intellectual disabilities have a higher prevalence of unhealthy eating habits, stress, low levels of mobility, and comparable drug consumption as the general population. Consequently, they suffer from several chronic diseases earlier and more often, but there are fewer prevention and health promotion services including this population. The goal of this study is to determine if an advanced practice nursing approach in the community with home visits is an effective way to improve the health status of adults with intellectual disabilities.

METHODS

We will conduct a randomized-controlled trial with waiting list design in Hamburg, Germany. Inclusion criteria are diagnosis ICD F70-F79 and exclusion criteria are care level > 3 according to the German Social Code XI or being at the end-of-life. Participants will be block randomized. The intervention consists of advanced practice nurses performing case management, social space analysis, prevention planning, and counseling through four outreach home visits on nutrition, mobility, addiction, and stress. Comparison is usual care. The primary outcome is health status (WHODAS) after 12 months. Secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) and resilience (RS-11) after 6 and 12 months. The calculated sample size is 256 with an estimated dropout of 30%. Raters and analysts will be blinded. Analysis will be performed using ANCOVAs.

DISCUSSION

By providing case management and utilizing their nursing expertise, advanced practice nurses will provide valuable input and guidance on prevention and health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities. They will close the gap between health and social care, which is prominent in Germany, through cooperation between the existing care sectors. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00028771 , registered 4 July 2022, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1277-0595.

A systematic review of the health literacy of adults with lifelong communication disability: Looking beyond accessing and understanding information

OBJECTIVE

To determine the a) extent to which people with lifelong communication disability are included in health literacy research, b) level of health literacy of people with lifelong communication disability, c) methods applied to measure the health literacy of people with lifelong communication disability, d) barriers and facilitators mediating the health literacy of people with lifelong communication disability, and e) outcomes of health literacy interventions for people with lifelong communication disability.

METHODS

We searched for studies relating to health literacy, people with lifelong communication disability, and key areas of the Sørensen et al. (2012) health literacy model (i.e., accessing, understanding, appraising, applying health information, personal/environmental/systemic barriers and facilitators).

RESULTS

Analysis of 60 studies demonstrated that this population is not well represented. Insufficient research exists to inform statements on level of health literacy or methods used to measure health literacy of this population. Barriers and facilitators appear consistent with those applicable to the general population. Health literacy intervention outcomes were variable.

CONCLUSION

Significant gaps exist in the research which has primarily focused on people with intellectual disability accessing and understanding health information.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Findings can inform policies, practice, and future research on health literacy and people with lifelong communication disability.

Co-design and delivery of a relational learning programme for nursing students and young people with severe and complex learning disabilities

BACKGROUND

National Health Service (NHS) staff in the UK are required to undergo training about learning disabilities at the appropriate level for their role. However, this requirement does not apply to nurses in training and student nurses report fear and anxiety about caring for people with intellectual learning disabilities (ILDs). Young people with intellectual disabilities report feeling scared of nurses and parents feel staff do not listen to them or involve them in care.

OBJECTIVES

(i) For a university and special school for young people with server and complex ILDs to work in partnership to co-design a programme for nursing students, young people, their teachers, and parents. (ii) To deliver the programme online as part of the university's existing nursing courses.

DESIGN

The partnership between the university and the special school focused on co-design of an interactive programme, parent involvement, safeguarding, and the design of accessible learning resources to support young people with severe and complex ILDs' engagement. The programme was informed by relational inquiry, service user and transformative pedagogies, and parents and teacher's knowledge and views about the young people. Delivery of the programme was designed to fit into existing nursing courses and enable students on placement and young people at home or in hospital to participate. A rights-based ethnographic evaluation was designed to support participant feedback and programme development.

SETTING

The Heritage2Health Virtual Arts and Drama Programme was piloted with nursing students at one UK university and young people with severe and complex ILDs from one special school, their parents and teachers.

PARTICIPANTS

15 nursing students (BSc Year 2 = 10, Year 3 = 3, MSc = 2) and 7 young people with severe and complex learning disabilities (age 11-14 yrs). Other participants were parents/guardians of young people (7), arts/drama facilitators (2), academic lecturers (2), special needs teachers (2), registered nurse (1).

METHODS

An 8-week dynamic programme of arts and drama. Sessions included 30-min start-up/presencing, 45-min storytelling/drama with young people and parents, 30-min reflection/close. Sessions were facilitated by 2 arts and drama specialists. The story of 'Ubuntu the Lion with the Long, Long, Mane' (by TNP) was used to explore difference and ways of being. The evaluation methods were participant observation, semi-structured interviews (2-6 weeks post) and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participation in the programme was a challenging, creative, and reflective experience that was transformative for all. Nurses and young people's fears and anxieties about each other were revealed and addressed by participating in arts and drama activities together. Nursing students learnt how to adopt a relational orientation to young people and their parents and teachers.

CONCLUSIONS

A co-designed programme for nursing students and young people with severe and complex ILDs can benefit student knowledge and skills and reduce fears and anxieties between nurses and young people with ILDs. With adequate planning and resources, the programme could be adopted by multidisciplinary partnerships between other universities and special schools.

Engaging and sustaining people with intellectual disabilities in physical activity: a narrative review of existing evidence

Background: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience many health and social inequalities. Increasing physical activity is a proven intervention to address such inequalities, yet the physical activity rates of this population are substantially lower than the general population. Aim: Research has been growing to understand why this is and how to intervene to increase the physical activity levels of people with ID. Method: Using a behavioural epidemiological framework, the research in this area from barriers and facilitators of physical activity to translational research testing interventions within natural settings is reviewed. Findings from a total of 14 reviews and eight empirical studies and protocols were included. Results: Whilst there are multiple investigations into what promotes or enhances physical activity for people with ID, findings from intervention studies show few successful outcomes. Gaps within the existing research are identified and recommendations about how intervention efficacy might be improved are provided to inform future research and practice. Conclusion: Findings from previous research on barriers and facilitators can be further capitalised on and intervention studies should be underpinned by better links to theory and more systemic approaches.

Perspectives on delivering health promotion for the intellectual disability population

The qualitative study reported in this article set out to develop an understanding of how staff supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities deliver health promotion in their practice. The aim was to determine how social care managers working within an intellectual disability care setting in Ireland perceived health promotion and their role within it. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. Participants perceived health promotion to be a priority for this population group that should be tailored to meet individual needs. Study participants recognised that they have a role in supporting and providing health promotion for this population, but also that they themselves required more training and education on the issue. Health promotion enablers identified in the study for this client group need to be enhanced and ways to reduce the barriers to access identified. The results reflect observations reported in the literature and indicate a need to prioritise health promotion with this population by establishing policies and practices in the organisation to promote it. A requirement for relevant training and education for social care managers-and other staff, as appropriate-was identified, as were areas for further research.

The effect of health promotion training provided to elderly individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic on healthy lifestyle behaviors

BACKGROUND

One of the areas most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is health promotion. In order to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals, it is important to develop and implement effective intervention strategies that can prevent negative health outcomes.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of health promotion training provided to elderly individuals on healthy lifestyle behaviors.

METHODS

This study was conducted as a randomized-controlled experimental study. The study was completed with 140 elderly individuals over 65 years of age, including 70 participants in intervention group and 70 participants in control group. The data were collected using the Information Form and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-I. Training was provided to the intervention group as one session a week for three weeks. Percentage, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation as well as chi-square, dependent samples t-test, and independent samples t-test were used to assess the data.

FINDINGS

While the pretest mean score of the intervention group for the overall Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-I was 103.90 ± 16.96, their posttest mean score was 136.17 ± 19.60 and it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the results (p = 0.000). While the pretest mean score of the control group for the overall Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-I was 107.22 ± 21.09, their posttest mean score was 106.57 ± 21.49 and it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the results (p = 0.609).

CONCLUSION

It was observed that healthy lifestyle behaviors of elderly individuals in the intervention group improved positively.

Efficacy of Healthy Aging Interventions for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There is a lack of information on intervention strategies employed for health promotion and disease prevention for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), who usually experience poorer health compared to their peers without IDDs. We carried out the first systematic review to scrutinize the impact of intrinsic factors (e.g., cognitive, mental, and physical health) on the health status of older adults with IDDs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To assess the efficacy of such interventions, we examined 23 articles including prospective "healthy aging" interventions designed for adults with IDDs. Searches were carried out in the databases Web of Science, Scielo, and PsycINFO in April 2020. Articles were organized in thematic areas: (a) physical activity and health nutrition (n = 10), (b) health education and health screening (n = 6), (c) social inclusion and community participation (n = 3), and (d) multicomponents (n = 4). Except for 5 randomized controlled trial studies, the designs were mainly nonrandomized, involving small sample sizes (Nrange = 8-379 participants), and lacking follow-up.

RESULTS

The studies included 2,398 men and women with IDDs (ranging in age from 18 to 86 years [mean age: 44.3 years]). Overall, intervention outcomes were mostly positive; however, some negative outcomes were reported.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

In brief, healthy aging interventions for people with IDDs remain scarce, incipient, and sporadic. We recommend that more attention needs to be given to active health promotion with people with IDDs as a program practice among organizations and as a focal public policy among governments.

Workplace Health Promotion in German Social Firms-Offers, Needs and Challenges from the Perspectives of Employees, Supervisors and Experts

On the general labor market, social firms provide 30-50% of people with different types of disabilities the opportunity to gain employment. However, the topic of workplace health promotion (WHP), needs for improvement and accompanied challenges are neglected in the current research and were the focus of the present study. Therefore, data triangulation was used between July and December 2020 by combining three focus groups with employees (n = 14 employees) with 16 interviews with supervisors from several social firms in Northern Germany (e.g., from catering, cleaning or bicycle repair sectors). 17 semi-structured telephone interviews with experts in the field of WHP or social firms were added. All approaches were audio-taped, transcribed and anonymized. To analyze the data, Mayring's qualitative content analysis was used. The results indicated that several offers for WHP, including sport, nutrition and relaxation, were offered, as well as those on smoking cessation, cooperation with external organizations or training and education offers. Needs for improvement were stated referring to additional sport offers, support for implementing a healthy diet, offers for relaxation, financial incentives or collaborations with external organizations. A low take-up of offers; a lack of resources, structures or management support; compatibility of offers with work time and organization; challenges with available trainings or the consideration of individual needs and capacities were highlighted as challenges. Overall, there is a need for further interventional and longitudinal research on WHP in social firms.

A Systematic Review of Health Promotion Programs to Improve Nutrition for People with Intellectual Disability

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To investigate the type and effectiveness of health promotion programs designed to improve nutrition for people with intellectual disability. This review also sought to highlight gaps in the evidence by mapping interventions to the socio-ecological model.

RECENT FINDINGS

To date, reviews on health promotion programs for people with intellectual disability have focused on individualised weight management interventions and behaviour change techniques. No reviews have focused solely on nutrition or considered a broader range of interventions and policies targeted beyond the individual. This review found that health promotion interventions to date were predominantly at the individual level of the socio-ecological model and of varying effectiveness. Of the non-individually focused interventions, those targeting the physical environment or considering multiple socio-ecological levels achieved the greatest improvements in nutrition outcomes. Nutrition and obesity prevention research and policy need to include intellectual disability as part of equity considerations, while intellectual disability policy needs to consider the broader food environment.

Designing User-Centered Mobile Health Initiatives to Promote Healthy Behaviors for Children With Disabilities: Development and Usability Study

Background

The gap between research and its practical application in community settings limits its impact on public health. Closing this gap has the potential to improve the well-being of underserved groups, such as children with disabilities. Mobile health has the potential to improve access to community resources and support for underserved populations, thereby encouraging improved health behaviors.

Objective

In this feasibility pilot study, we describe the development of the mobile app Jooay. Jooay was developed in partnership with stakeholders to facilitate access to leisure and physical activity community programs for children and youth with disabilities. We also reflect on the lessons learned throughout the implementation process that are relevant for improving the health behaviors of children with disabilities.

Methods

We used a participatory action research approach to develop the app. We also administered a survey to current Jooay users and analyzed various app usage indicators to explore use patterns, user feedback, and preferences. Finally, we critically appraised the implementation process through a best practices for implementation research framework.

Results

We developed a product that responds to users’ identified need to find information and follows accessibility and user-centered design standards. The analysis of usage data revealed that access to the Jooay app is concentrated in urban areas. Perceptions, attitudes, and information needs varied according to the type of user. The use of the mobile app changed over time, and usage decreased after the app was downloaded, indicating a need for the sustained engagement of app users. Users found value in the ability to identify activities that they would not otherwise know about. However, app use alone was not sufficient to improve participation. Although the app was developed based on users’ active input in multiple iterations, we encountered challenges with survey recruitment and attrition, suggesting the need for more seamless and engaging means for collecting data within this population.

Conclusions

Interactions between users and the app can sustain user engagement and behavior change. We will improve the app’s next iterations by using the information gained from this study to conduct a larger study to assess the relationship among social and material deprivation, urban design, and access to inclusive and adaptive leisure programs. This study will inform the improvement of app listings to improve the use of Jooay by different user groups and promote health through mobile apps for marginalized groups.

Improvements in biometric health measures among individuals with intellectual disabilities: A controlled evaluation of the Fit 5 program

BACKGROUND

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have poorer health statuses compared to the general population. Actions are needed to address health disparities and promote healthy lifestyles among individuals with ID. Moreover, studies that consider program settings for this population are needed.

OBJECTIVE

The Special Olympics health program, Fit 5, was evaluated to assess effectiveness in improving health measures for individuals with ID. The settings of programs' implementation were also considered.

METHODS

Four Special Olympics basketball teams participated as an intervention group, and three teams as a control group, in a study of the Fit 5 program that was implemented during, and as part of, a regular 8-week basketball season. Resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure, and height and weight to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), were measured before and after the program. Differences in pre- and post-measures were compared between the two groups with paired samples t-tests and ANCOVA.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group had significantly greater improvements in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) and RHR (p = 0.003). BMI increased for both groups; however, the increase in the intervention group was significantly less (p = 0.006). The Special Olympics setting was considered familiar and supportive and effectively reached individuals with ID.

CONCLUSION

The Fit 5 program positively impacts RHR and blood pressure, and could help reduce extents of BMI increases, in individuals with ID when implemented in a common setting. Further investigation of the impact of Fit 5 and similar programs in additional settings is warranted.

Chronic health and lifestyle problems for people diagnosed with autism in a student-led clinic

Purpose

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at greater risk of developing chronic health and risky lifestyle problems. This is exaggerated further for people living in rural settings and from cultural backgrounds traditionally underserved by healthcare services. The purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation of health and behavioural lifestyle outcomes of people diagnosed with ASD in a student-led clinic in rural/regional Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Routine clinical outcomes and lifestyle measures were routinely collected at a primary acre student-led Clinic in rural/regional Australia. Participants were all attending the clinic who provided consent for their routine date to be reported. Participants ranged in age from new born to 100 years and were representative of the local community.

Findings

The results indicate there is an increased risk for people with ASD developing chronic conditions compared to those without a diagnosis. This also resulted in higher body mass index and blood sugar levels linked to diabetes and hypertension. Mental health problems were common in people diagnosed with ASD especially anxiety disorders. Smoking was problematic for people with ASD but mainly in non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Alcohol use was not an increase risk in ASD.

Originality/value

Little is reported on the health and lifestyle experiences of people with ASD in rural/regional settings, especially from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This paper gives an initial insight to the presentation of chronic conditions and harmful lifestyle choices. Possible insights into adapting or modifying care for people with ASD in rural/regional Australia are given.