Examining Differences in Hospitalization Among Adults With and Without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The primary aim of this study was to compare the common reasons for hospitalization among adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the United States. We examined hospitalizations for adults with and without IDD using the 2017 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample. Adults with IDD were matched to a sample without IDD, stratified by age (18-49 vs. ≥50), and compared for reasons for hospital admission and outcome differences. Adults with IDD, especially those 18 to 49, were frequently hospitalized for schizophrenia, while septicemia was the primary cause for those ≥50. Epilepsy was common among individuals with IDD and associated with higher healthcare costs and utilization. Those with IDD had more chronic conditions, longer stays, and higher postdischarge care needs. Enhancing community-based services and training a healthcare workforce focused on the specific needs of individuals with IDD can help reduce these disparities.