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Multimorbidity in older people with intellectual disability
Rafat Hussain1, Stuart Wark2, Matthew P Janicki3
1Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Summary
Older adults with intellectual disability (PwID) experience significant multimorbidity, often linked to socioeconomic factors and healthcare access issues. Early and ongoing healthcare engagement is crucial for managing progressive health decline in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Intellectual Disability Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited Australian research exists on comorbidity in older adults with intellectual disability (PwID).
- This study investigates chronic disease burden and sociodemographic factors in community-dwelling PwID aged 60+.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity in older PwID in Australia.
- To identify sociodemographic correlates associated with chronic disease burden in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
- Community-dwelling older PwID (N=391) from urban and rural areas in two Australian states were interviewed.
Main Results:
- Older PwID experience substantial multimorbidity, averaging 3.8 conditions per person.
- Common conditions include arthritis (40%), mental health disorders (34.5%), diabetes (26%), cardiovascular diseases (23.6%), asthma (16.1%), and carcinomas (10.0%).
Conclusions:
- Significant multimorbidity exists in older PwID, influenced by socioeconomic disadvantage and healthcare access barriers.
- Progressive health debilitation requires earlier and increased engagement with healthcare systems throughout the lives of PwID.
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