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Ascertaining the prevalence of childhood disability
- Authors:
- HUTCHINSON T., GORDON D.
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 31(1), January 2005, pp.99-107.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim was to reapply 1985 Office of Population Census and Surveys (OPCS) disability survey methods, modified as necessary, to a sample of children to ascertain presence of disability, and then compare OPCS-based prevalence with prevalence based on carer's views and medical records. Medical records of 46% contained a diagnosis. Carers were always aware of this, although a single question did not always elicit their knowledge. OPCS-derived threshold disability criteria in categories of Hand function, Personal care, Consciousness and Continence gave prevalence results similar to medical records and carers. OPCS criteria yielded higher prevalence of disability in the areas of Locomotion (8%), Communication (14%) and Hearing (18%). Carers, OPCS and medical records disagreed markedly about prevalence of disabilities of Vision, probably because of the use of differing definitions. OPCS learning criteria were judged unsuitable and standard attainment targets (SATs) were substituted. These provided similar prevalence figures to carers and medical records. OPCS behaviour criteria were also unsuitable and were replaced by the General Health and Behaviour Questionnaire (GHBQ). This found an increased prevalence of problems compared with carers and doctors. Diagnostic labels have limited use when collecting data about disabled children. Doubt is cast on the validity of some of the 1985 OPCS threshold criteria, and reassessment is suggested before their future use. Further work is needed on the use of SATs and GHBQ in the benchmarking of disability. To collect population data it would be easier and at least equally effective (with caution in the case of Vision) to ask carers directly rather than applying descriptive thresholds and external judgements. Similar information could be obtained from medical records, however, they are likely to be out of date.
Mortality of people with intellectual disability in northern Sydney
- Author:
- BAKER Wesley
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.255-264.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
A population-derived cohort of 693 people with intellectual disability in the Lower North Shore (LNS) area of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia was followed from 1989 to 1999 to determine mortality rates, the demographics of the deceased, and causes of death. The general population of LNS was used for comparison. Age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates were higher than those in the LNS population. The main cause of death was respiratory disease, followed by external causes and cancer. Of those who had died, the greatest proportion were functioning in the severe to profound range of intellectual disability, and half were living in institutional care. Public health resources and services need to be directed to this vulnerable population in order to address the excess mortality.
Mortality of persons with intellectual disability in residential care in Israel 1991-1997
- Author:
- MERRICK Joav
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.265-272.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Reports on the number of deaths for the period 1991-1997 in Israeli residential centres. Some 450 deaths were reported, corresponding to a mortality rate of 10.25 deaths per 1000 population per year. The number of deaths compared with those in the general population. Information on the age and sex distribution, level of intellectual disability, ethnic background and cause of death is presented.
Including ADHD?
- Authors:
- LLOYD Gwynedd, NORRIS Claire
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 14(4), July 1999, pp.505-517.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article tries to make sense of the recent rise of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Britain by focussing on the contribution of the press, parents organisations, 'experts' and the drug companies, in the context of the current marketisation of education and health services. It draws on findings from a research project which studies press coverage of ADHD, and argues that the existence of active parents' organisations pushing for medical diagnosis and drug treatment for their children presents a challenge to thinking about inclusion.
The rich picture on people at end of life
- Author:
- MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
- Publisher:
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 60p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The ‘Rich Pictures’ are evidence-based summaries of the numbers, needs and experiences of different groupings within the 2 million people living with cancer in the UK. They contain a range of evidence and insight including how many people are within the group and what their typical needs and experiences are. This document provides information on people at the end of life. Over 561,000 people die in the UK every year and cancer is the cause of 28% of these deaths. Most people (63%) would prefer to die at home, but only 21% of them do so. The document summarises what is known about the needs and experiences of people at different stages of the end of life journey (terminal diagnosis, palliative treatment, approaching death, and death and bereavement). It also considers the sort of experiences people with cancer and their families experience at end of life. Three specialist themes are also considered: people with learning disabilities at the end of life; people at the end of life in prison; and children at the end of life.