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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 Similar information could be obtained from medical records, however, they are likely to be out of date.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.
Welsh health survey 1998: results of the second Welsh health survey
- Author:
- WALES. National Assembly. Statistical Directorate
- Publisher:
- Wales. National Assembly. Statistical Directorate
- Publication year:
- 1999
- Pagination:
- 96p.
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
The aim of the Welsh Health Survey was to collect information on a cross-section of the population with a range of illnesses or disabilities and on similar groups of healthy people, without using any medical records. Its results provide a picture of the health and well-being of adults in Wales and their use of and satisfaction with health services. The dataset contains details of responses to the survey (which was conducted by means of a self-completion postal questionnaire, completed by almost 30,000 adults), with a separate record for each respondent. It includes details about respondents' general health, specific illnesses for which they had been treated, use of the health service and satisfaction with the service provided, self-perceived physical and mental well-being (using SF-36 health status questions), and details about respondents and their lifestyle.