Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Measuring the actual levels and patterns of physical activity/inactivity of adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- FINLAYSON Janet, TURNER Angela, GRANAT Malcolm H.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24(6), November 2011, pp.508-517.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Adults with intellectual disabilities experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality associated with low levels of activity compared to the general population. Previous research on physical activity levels in this group suggests as few as 5% could be meeting the target levels of exercise deemed necessary for a healthy lifestyle. The aim of this pilot study was to objectively measure the levels and patterns of activity of adults with intellectual disabilities, to inform the design of studies aimed at increasing activity and health in this population. Interviews were conducted with 62 community-based adults from Glasgow with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (mean age 37 years, 56.5% female). Participants were interviewed at the start and at the end of a 7-day period of physical activity/inactivity measurement using an activity monitor. Forty-one (66%) participants wore the activity monitor for at least 5 days. Of these, only 11 (27%) achieved the recommended 10 000 steps per day, and only six (15%) were achieving the recommended 30 minutes of moderate/vigorous activity at least 5 days per week. The data confirm the belief that adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities have low levels of physical activity.
Understanding predictors of low physical activity in adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- FINLAYSON Janet, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(3), May 2009, pp.236-247.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Lack of regular physical activity is globally one of the most significant risks to health. The main aims of this study were to describe the types and levels of regular physical activity undertaken by adults with intellectual disabilities, and to investigate the factors predicting low activity. Interviews were conducted with a community-based sample of adults with intellectual disabilities (n = 433) at two time points. Data hypothesized to be predictive of low levels of activity were collected at time 1. Descriptive data were collected on the frequency and intensity, and actual level of participation in activities at time 2. Only 150 (34.6%) adults with intellectual disabilities undertook any regular activity of at least moderate intensity. This was of shorter duration, compared with the general population. Older age, having immobility, epilepsy, no daytime opportunities, living in congregate care and faecal incontinence were independently predictive of low levels of activity. These results are a step towards informing the development of interventions to promote the health of adults with intellectual disabilities through increased physical activity
Resisting having learning disabilities by managing relative abilities
- Authors:
- MCVITTIE Chris, GOODALL Karen E., MCKINLAY Andy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 36(4), December 2008, pp.256-262.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Previous research has shown that identities and the attributes from which identities are inferred are negotiated within social interaction and language. The identity of having learning disabilities is commonly associated with ascriptions of lesser abilities than other people, and in turn might be inferred from such abilities. This study examines how individuals, potentially ascribed with an identity of having learning disabilities, discursively manage the ascription of abilities and disabilities relative to other people. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight individuals attending a community centre in Edinburgh categorised as having learning disabilities. Interview transcripts were coded for all references to relative abilities and analysed using discourse analysis. The participants displayed three orientations towards abilities, namely (i) ascribing deficits to 'others', (ii) resisting comparisons of deficit and (iii) claiming 'normal' attributes. For the participants, these negotiations of relative abilities provide ways of managing specific aspects of identities associated with learning disabilities.
Supported employment for people with learning disabilities: the case of full-time work
- Author:
- McINALLY George
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 13(3), October 2008, pp.42-46.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
North Lanarkshire Council's supported employment has achieved a reputation for delivering full-time work for people who have learning disabilities. Since 1999, the service has accessed 175 jobs, and current supports 127 individuals who work more than 16 hours a week. This article describes how the approach taken by North Lanarkshire can be adopted by other authorities.
The pattern of alcohol consumption within a sample of mentally handicapped people in Tayside
- Authors:
- LAWRENCE Helen, LINDSAY William R., WALKER Phyllis
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Handicap Research, 8(1), 1995, pp.54-59.
- Publisher:
- BIMH Publications
The drinking pattern occurring amongst people with learning difficulties in Dundee was investigated. The main conclusions are that fewer individuals actually reported drinking alcohol and fewer weekly units are consumed, than is found in the general population. A need for general alcohol education was identified since only one-third of the sample appreciated the potential dangers associated with alcohol and none knew, specifically, what these dangers might be.
Do levels of evidence affect breadth of service? A study on the use of clinical guidance in a learning disability service
- Authors:
- PATERAKI Eleni, MacMAHON Kenneth
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 45(2), 2017, pp.121-128.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: For services across the UK, increasing emphasis is placed on the use of evidence-based psychological treatments. In this context, the Scottish Government published the MATRIX, a best-practice clinical governance document, with a brief section on therapies for people with learning disabilities. As with most clinical guidelines, randomised controlled trials were considered the “gold standard.” However, within the learning disability field, the existing evidence base is relatively limited, resulting in a narrow guidance for services. Methods: This study evaluated the use of best-practice guidance (the MATRIX), in a psychology service for adults with learning disabilities, covering one of the largest NHS Boards in Scotland. A randomly selected 50% (N = 73) of case notes opened since October 2011 (publication date for the MATRIX) was reviewed. Eight case notes were second-rated by an independent clinician. Results: Findings showed that service users typically presented with multiple psychological difficulties, and clinicians offered a range of therapies additional to those suggested in the guidance. This was particularly evident in cases managed by clinical psychologists. Conclusions: Applying rigid therapeutic recommendations may limit opportunities for integrative practice. The potential impact of inflexibly adopting clinical guidelines on service planning and resources is discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Examining the support needs of ageing family carers in developing future plans for a relative with an intellectual disability
- Authors:
- TAGGART Laurence, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 16(3), September 2012, pp.217-234.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Due to the increased life expectancy of people with intellectual disability, they are now more likely to be living with an ageing family carer. The aim of this study was to examine the support needs of ageing family carers in developing future plans for a relative with an intellectual disability. A mixed methods design was employed. In stage 1, a structured questionnaire was used to collate information on the health, caregiving demands and future planning preferences of 112 parent and sibling carers aged 60–94 years. In stage 2, 19 in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a sample of carers to explore a range of issues around future planning. Over half of the carers were lone carers, mainly female, with many reporting a wide range of health problems. The main preference was for the person to remain in the family home, with either the family or paid staff to support them. A minority of parent carers preferred the person to move into the home of a sibling, although some favoured the person moving to a residential facility with other people with intellectual disabilities. Four main themes were identified around future planning: unremitting apprehension; the extent of planning; obstacles encountered; and solutions for future planning. Avoidance, lack of guidance and a lack of appropriate residential provision were cited as obstacles to making future plans compounded by the emotional upset experienced by carers in thinking about the future.
The "forensicisation" of challenging behaviour: the perils of people with learning disabilities and severe challenging behaviours being viewed as "forensic" patients
- Authors:
- DOUDS Fergus, BANTWAL Ashwin
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 2(3), 2011, pp.110-113.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Since the closure of long stay learning disability hospitals in 2005, focus in Scotland has shifted on to developing robust community services to cater for the healthcare needs of people with learning disabilities. A small number of individuals with learning disabilities and associated severe challenging behaviours do inappropriately get referred and sometimes admitted to forensic learning disability services. This study investigated this area of clinical practice in the context of referrals to the high secure forensic setting of The State Hospital, Carstairs, Scotland. Five referrals made to the State Hospital's forensic learning disability service between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed. Findings revealed that the identified determinants leading to the making of these referrals were classifiable into psychiatric, environmental and staffing themes. In conclusion, there is a requirement for a specialist in-patient service to meet the needs of this complex group of patients, which demonstrates ‘gaps’ within current services.
An anxious time? Exploring the nature of worries experienced by young people with a mild to moderate intellectual disability as they make the transition to adulthood
- Authors:
- FORTE Marisa, JAHODA Andrew, DAGNAN Dave
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 50(4), November 2011, pp.398-411.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Transition to adulthood can be particularly challenging time for young people with mild intellectual disabilities (IDs) because they are often more socially marginalised, remain more dependent upon their family, and have fewer options for future careers than their typically developing peers. The aim of this study was to examine the content and salience of worries experienced by young people with mild ID during their transition to adulthood. The participants were 26 young people with mild ID and 26 typically developing young people all recruited from a Further Education college in the West of Scotland. The participants underwent a semi-structured interview about their worries and completed self-report assessments concerning anxiety and self-efficacy. The findings showed that that the ID group's most salient worries were largely different from their non-disabled peers at this stage of transition. The ID group worried about: being bullied; losing someone they are dependent upon; failing in life; and making and keeping friends. The non-disabled group worried about: getting a job; not having enough surplus money; failing; and having to make decisions about their future choices. Not only was there a difference in the nature of worries expressed, but the intellectually disabled group also reported ruminating significantly more about their worries and being more distressed by them.
Prevalence and associations of anxiety disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- REID K. A., SMILEY E., COOPER S.-A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(2), February 2011, pp.172-181.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Estimates of the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) vary widely; general anxiety disorder ranging from less than 2% to 17.4% compared to 4.4% in the general public. Little is known about associated factors in this population. Information was collected regarding 1023 adults with IDs who participated in a large-scale, population-based study in Scotland. All had a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment. The point prevalence of anxiety disorders according to different diagnostic criteria was determined, as were independently associated factors. At the time of the assessment 3.8%, of the cohort had an anxiety disorder. Generalised anxiety disorder was the most common (1.7%), then agoraphobia (0.7%). Results are reported for eight types of anxiety disorder. Factors independently associated with having an anxiety disorder were not having any daytime employment, and having a recent history of life events. Having previously been a long-term hospital resident was independently associated with not having an anxiety disorder. The authors conclude that anxiety disorders are in fact common in the ID population. They suggest that it might be sensible for carers to be vigilant and to consider proactively providing additional support at times of significant life events.