Healthy lifestyle for people with intellectual disabilities through a health intervention program (original) (raw)
Related papers
Research and practice in intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2019
Older Australians with intellectual disabilities experience high rates of lifestyle-related illness, yet generally have poor diets and participate in limited physical activity. Eliciting the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities and support workers may inform interventions to support healthy lifestyles. A semi-structured focus group question framework was developed to investigate participants' experiences of barriers and enablers of physical activity and healthy eating. Data from focus groups with paid support workers (n ¼ 6) and people with intellectual disabilities (n ¼ 8) aged 60 þ years were analysed within this framework. Similarities and differences between perspectives were explored. Both groups perceived decreased physical activity as an inevitable aspect of ageing. Health problems and environmental constraints were also identified. Embedding physical activity into daily routines, providing choices, and viewing exercise as beneficial, were highlighted as enablers across groups. Support workers, but not people with intellectual disabilities, identified barriers to healthy eating including use of "junk" food to manage behaviour and lack of message consistency between care providers. Financial and human resource barriers were also highlighted by support workers. Both carers and people with intellectual disabilities may benefit from specialised support to adapt healthy lifestyle interventions for people as they age. Behavioural management strategies unrelated to food should be promoted. Organisational and policylevel commitment are needed to ensure that healthy lifestyle programs are adequately resourced to meet the needs of the ageing population with intellectual disabilities.
Conversations about health—Sharing the personal experiences of women with intellectual disabilities
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2020
Background: The text presents the opinions of women with intellectual disabilities about their lives and experiences in Polish society. The key recurring issue in the participants' statements was health in the light of their disability and femininity. Methods: For the purpose of this study, focus group interviews were conducted with 20 women with intellectual disabilities. The collected interviews were analysed with the use of constructivist grounded theory. Results: During the analysis, five general thematic areas were distinguished: appearance and beauty, health and sickness, intimate relationships, friends and acquaintances, and self-determination. Conclusions: The results of this research suggest that neither womanhood nor disability, as such, are perceived by the study's participants as a burden or health problem in any of the aforementioned areas. Moreover, the participants identified sources of oppression, as well as the means of opposing them, for example cooperation, and claiming the right to self-determination. K E Y W O R D S focus group interviews, gender (femininity), health, Poland, women with intellectual disabilities | 963
Carer knowledge and perceptions of healthy lifestyles for adults with intellectual disabilities
Journal of Applied …, 2009
Background To date, no studies have explored the role of carers in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and obesity during a weight loss intervention. The present study explored perceptions of carers supporting adults with ID, as they participated in a 6-month multi-component weight loss intervention (TAKE 5). Methods Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the experiences of 24 carers. The transcripts were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results Three themes emerged from the analysis: carers' perceptions of participants' health; barriers and facilitators to weight loss; and carers' perceptions of the weight loss intervention. Data analysis showed similarities between the experiences reported by the carers who supported participants who lost weight and participants who did not. Lack of sufficient support from people from the internal and external environment of individuals with ID and poor communication among carers, were identified as being barriers to change. The need for accessible resources tailored to aid weight loss among adults with ID was also highlighted. Conclusion This study identified specific facilitators and barriers experienced by carers during the process of supporting obese adults with ID to lose weight. Future research could utilise these findings to inform appropriate and effective weight management interventions for individuals with ID.
Health promotion for people with intellectual disability and obesity
British Journal of Nursing, 2012
Obesity is a significant health problem for people with intellectual disability, as they report a 59% higher rate of obesity as compared with those in the general population (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). Causes are multifactorial and obesity leads to a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. While the risks of these conditions generally increase with age, people with an intellectual disability are at risk of developing them earlier owing to their higher levels of obesity. Client groups with mild intellectual disability residing in a group home or family home are at a higher risk of obesity than those in institutional care, mainly owing to increased independence and available choices. Healthcare services have predominantly focused on the primary disability rather than on prevention or reduction of secondary health conditions. As health promotion enables people to gain control over their lives, it is essential to address the health concern of obesity for people with intellectual disability. This article highlights the issues in health care faced by people with an intellectual disability and aspects that health professionals need to consider when engaging in health promotion for those who are obese.
Health Education Journal, 2012
Objective: Although there are evaluation and effectiveness studies of health promotion interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), randomized efficacy trials of such interventions are lacking. Design: A randomized active control intervention trial. Setting: The participants attended the health promotion classes in local disability agency service facilities. Method: We enrolled 443 individuals and randomly assigned them to one of two eight-week participatory classes. The ‘Steps to Your Health’ (STYH) classes emphasized moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), healthy eating and body mass index (BMI) reduction. The control intervention focused on hygiene and safety. Results: We did not find a statistically significant difference in mean MVPA or BMI change between completers of the STYH group compared to the control group one year after the intervention was completed. We did find that participation in STYH classes had a non-significant association with odds of r...
Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID, 2015
There is a need to better understand implementation processes of health interventions. This study describes the implementation of a multicomponent intervention to improve diet and physical activity among adults with intellectual disabilities, viewed from the perspectives of staff and managers. All health ambassadors (n = 12), appointed among staff and managers (n = 5) taking part of a health intervention in community residences in Sweden, were interviewed with a focus on barriers and facilitators regarding implementation of the intervention. Data were analysed using content analysis. The overarching theme describes the importance of supporting motivation for change among managers, caregivers and residents. The experiences of the implementation process are described in four main categories: intervention characteristics, individual commitment, organizational capacity and societal factors. The implementation can be facilitated by a programme meeting perceived needs, a flexible and part...
Health Education Research, 2014
The aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators in the implementation of a health course for adults with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities. An inductive qualitative design was used. Data were collected from a health course conducted in 16 study groups with 83 participants in Stockholm, Sweden by unstructured observations in course sessions, a group discussion with course leaders and evaluation notes from the course leaders. The data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Four categories were identified: (i) 'individual characteristics', implying various needs, (ii) 'pedagogical strategies' used to meet those needs, (iii) 'interaction within the course', dealing with active and less active participation and (iv) 'structures', including learning climate and organizing. The overarching theme 'creating an individualized supportive context' describes the challenge of educating people with intellectual disabilities towards an empowered and well informed decision making regarding their own health. Therefore, there is a need for support not only within the course but also from the social and physical environment as well.
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 2020
Background: People with intellectual disabilities are more at risk of obesity than the general population. Emerging literature indicates that multicomponent interventions are most effective, however, individual results are variable and little research exists as to why this is the case. Methods: Focus groups were conducted to explore lived experiences between two groups of adults with intellectual disabilities; an overweight group ( n = 6) and a group identified as successful in losing weight ( n = 6). Similarities and differences were explored across four domains. Transcripts were produced and analysed using Theoretical Thematic Analysis. Results: Similarities included service centre supports, basic food knowledge and issues restricting independence. The successful weight loss group had also internalised health messages, engaged with external reinforcement programmes, responded to positive feedback and demonstrated healthier dietary habits. Conclusion: Weight management intervention...