Why some adults with intellectual disability consult their general practitioner more than others
Abstract
Background This research identifies factors affecting why some adults with intellectual disability (AWIDs) consult their general practitioner (GP) more than others. Little is known about these factors, despite AWIDs having higher health needs and reduced longevity. Current barriers to accessing health care need to be understood and overcome to achieve improved health outcomes. Methods A secondary analysis of data obtained from a stratified randomised sample of AWIDs participating in a cluster randomised trial of hand held health records. The number of GP consultations was obtained retrospectively for the year preceding initial health interviews from GP records. AWIDs and their carers were given separate health interviews using identical/adapted questions where possible. Results Two hundred and one AWIDs and or their carers from 40 practices participated (response rate 64.6%) with GP consultation data extracted for 187 AWIDs. Overall consulting levels were low, 3.2 per annum for women and 2.2 for men. Increased age, gender (women) and type of carer (paid) were all significantly associated with increased consultations. Carers reporting health problems, medications reported by AWIDs, medications recorded in GP records, and pain reported by AWIDs were also significant factors affecting consultations to GP practices after adjustment for age and type of carer. Conclusions Overall consultation rates were lower than expected, and affected by age, gender and type of carer. Targeted interventions are needed to improve attendance and promote health.
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Communication is a significant barrier for people with autism and/or intellectual disabilities.
“Communication is a significant barrier for people with autism and/or intellectual disabilities.29,38–42”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [38]
Physical examinations can also be a source of embarrassment and/or discomfort for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Physical examinations can also be a source of embarrassment and/or discomfort for individuals with intellectual disabilities.38,60–63”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [38]
Fears include fears of being judged over lifestyle choices, of blood tests and vaccinations, of medical instruments, and fears associated with a lack of understanding about screening procedures.
“These include fears of being judged over lifestyle choices, of blood tests and vaccinations,38 of medical instruments,31 and fears associated with a lack of understanding about screening procedures.59”
From Barriers and facilitators to primary health care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: an integrative review (2020) · cites this paper as [38]
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- Authors
- Turk, V., Kerry, S., Corney, R., Rowlands, G., & Khattran, S.
- Affiliations
- National Health Service (GB)
- St George's, University of London (GB)
- University of Greenwich (GB)
- London South Bank University (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Turk, V.
- Venue
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2010-08-12
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 833-842
- ISSN
- 0964-2633 (ISSN-L)
- 1365-2788
- OpenAlex
- W2116791130
- Cited by
- 20
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2020: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 2.23
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (University of Greenwich) (submittedVersion)
- Queen Mary Research Online (Queen Mary University of London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Family and Disability Support Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
- Keywords
- intellectual disability, adults with intellectual disabilities, general practitioner visits, health care access, barriers to care, caregivers, professional caregivers, gender differences, age differences, medication use, pain, primary care
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Female, Health Promotion, Humans, London, Male, Intellectual Disability, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Referral and Consultation, Socioeconomic Factors, Specialties, Nursing, General Practitioners
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