Health management for people with intellectual disabilities in primary care; impact on basic physical functions

Abstract

Background: Health problems are more frequently reported in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in primary care than in the general population. In this study we aimed to explore the basic health needs in persons with ID in order to promote a more proactive approach to health care in primary care settings. Method: The design was a nested (1:5) case‐control study across 100 practices in the Netherlands. 868 persons with ID were matched with 4305 controls (age, gender, practice). Results: People with ID consulted their GP 1.7 times more often than control participants. Among the presented health problems, sleep problems and other complaints which could not be classified as a disease were the most commonly reported. Prescriptions of laxatives as well as medication for treatment of peptic ulcers were significantly higher among persons with ID. These data indicate a high prevalence of problems in basic physical functions such as sleeping, eating and defecation in people with ID. Conclusion: We intend to further explore these health problems and the way they are addressed. Through focus group interviews of people with ID and their carers, general practitioners, practice nurses, specialist physicians for people with ID and care providers, we intend to develop models for tailoring primary health care to the specific and basic needs of persons with ID. The presentation will cover the evidence base to date and discuss our further research plans.