Mortality in individuals with intellectual disabilities in Finland.

Maria Arvio,Tommi Salokivi,Leena Haataja,Aila Tiitinen

doi:10.1002/brb3.431

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed at ascertaining the standardized mortality ratios (SMR) for those with an intellectual disability (ID) in Finland.Materials and MethodsWe used the statistical database of the national insurance institution of Finland and Statistics Finland's mean population figures. We determined the number of individuals who received benefits (disability allowance, disability pension, or care allowance for pensioners) due to an ID diagnosis and the number of those whose benefit had been terminated due to death during the years 1996–2011.ResultsSMR for females with a mild ID (IQ 50–69) was 2.8 (95% CI: 2.60–3.01) and for males 2.0 (95% CI: 1.88–2.14), and for females with a severe ID (IQ <50) 5.2 (95% CI: 4.99–5.50) and for males 2.6 (95% CI: 2.48–2.72).ConclusionThis significant difference in the SMR figures between males and females with ID warrants further research.

Highlights

Those with an intellectual disability (ID) form a heterogenic group
standardized mortality ratios (SMR) for females with a mild ID was 2.80 and for males 2.01 (P < 0.001), and for females with a severe ID 5.24 and for males 2.59 (P < 0.001) (Table 2)
See the figure showing SMRs in calendar-year periods according to gender and level of ID

Summary

Introduction

Those with an intellectual disability (ID) form a heterogenic group. IDs can be classified into subgroups based on their etiology (genetic, acquired or multifactorial), severity, and comorbidities. The most common genetic cause for ID is Down syndrome; the most frequent acquired condition is cerebral palsy-associated ID, and the most common multifactorial condition is autism spectrum-related ID syndrome (Arvio et al 2014). Many with an ID deteriorate over time due to their underlying neurological conditions which may be progressive in nature (Arvio and Sillanp€a€a 2003). Worldwide, those with an ID, form the largest single disability group. Several reasons explain the higher incidence among males Their more frequent autism spectrum disorders, and secondly, the fact that X-chromosomal disorders such as Fragile-X syndrome present with more severe cognitive symptoms in males. The age distribution of the ID population is skewed toward younger age groups (Yen et al 2013)

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