Clinical Profile of Adults with Intellectual Disability Residing in a Government Residential Facility in Kerala, India

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disability (AID) experience a higher level of comorbid health conditions. Behavioural problems in AID result in caretaker apathy, institutionalisation and poor community integration. There are relatively few studies addressing the health needs of this population in India. We assessed the sociodemographic and clinical profile of AID residing in a long term residential facility. Data were collected by retrospective chart review and clinical examination. Sociodemographic and clinical profiles of AID were evaluated using descriptive and analytical statistics. Inmates came from various parts of the country. About one fifth of the inmates were brought to the home by legal agencies when they were found wandering in the streets. Among the 98 male inmates, 32.7% had mental illness, 25.5% had seizure disorder, 20.4% had aggression, 43.9% had inappropriate sexual behaviour, 66.3% does activities of daily living (ADL) independently and 95% had poor oral hygiene. Inappropriate sexual behaviour showed statistically significant association with absence of mental illness and absence of seizure disorder. Aggression was found more in AID with mental illness. Seizure disorder did not show any association with aggression or ADL. Mental illness showed associations with seizure disorder and poor activities of daily living. Seizure disorder, mental illness, aggression, inappropriate sexual behaviour, poor oral hygiene and homelessness are common in AID. Adequate management of psychiatric illness may reduce aggression and improve activities of daily living in AID. Interventions to tackle homelessness among AID should be prioritised.