Co-occurring Health Conditions Research Articles

Patient and referral characteristics of adults with intellectual disability referred to speech and language therapy with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties

Purpose This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia among adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) referred to speech and language therapy for swallow assessment, providing information on the demographic characteristics, referral trends, co-occurring health conditions and reasons for referrals highlighting the complex health-care needs of this population. Design/methodology/approach This study used a standardised patient data extraction method over a six-month period involving 74 adults with ID referred to speech and language therapy for swallow assessment. Findings This study revealed a high prevalence of dysphagia among adults with ID referred to speech and language therapy for swallow assessment. Increasing age and severity of ID were associated with an increased likelihood of swallowing difficulties. Co-occurring health conditions such as mobility difficulties, epilepsy and gastrointestinal conditions were prevalent, suggesting that adults with ID and swallowing difficulties are often living with complex health conditions. Choking incidents and hospital admissions were primary reasons for referral. Research limitations/implications This study stresses the pressing need for strategies to mitigate risks associated with choking incidents and hospital admission among this vulnerable population. Possible limitations include a reliance on referral and the focus being on a single service over a short period which may limit generalisation to the wider ID population. Practical implications This study emphasises the need to understand each person’s unique profile of health needs and the value of a specialised speech and language therapy service. Social implications The importance of increasing awareness among caregivers and medical experts is highlighted. Originality/value The findings underscore the importance of tailored assessment, caregiver involvement and heightened interdisciplinary awareness to effectively manage dysphagia in individuals with ID.

Mental and Physical Health Comorbidities in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Non-TBI Controls Comparison

ObjectiveTo examine whether ageing with a TBI was associated with a greater burden of health-related comorbidities compared to a non-TBI control cohort, and examine the associations between comorbidity burden, emotional outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after TBI across ages. DesignCross-sectional. SettingResearch centre or telephone. ParticipantsThe study included 559 participants (NTBI=291, NControls=268). Participants with TBI were recruited during inpatient rehabilitation and had sustained a moderate-severe TBI 1-33 years previously. Non-TBI controls were a convenience sample recruited through advertisements in the community. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe number of cardiovascular, general physical health, and mental health comorbidities was compared between cohorts and age strata using Poisson regression. The relationships between comorbidities, age, emotional outcomes (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and HRQoL (PROMIS Global Health Measure) were examined with linear regression. Distinct subgroups of comorbidities were identified using latent class analysis. Associations between comorbidity classes with demographic and outcome variables were evaluated using multinomial logistic and linear regressions, respectively. ResultsTBI participants had a significantly higher comorbidity burden than controls, primarily driven by elevated rates of mental health disorders (RR = 2.71, 95% CI [1.37, 5.35]). Cardiovascular and physical health comorbidities were not elevated in the TBI group compared to controls. Both cohorts had three similar comorbidity subgroups, suggesting consistent patterns of co-occurring health conditions regardless of TBI exposure. Physical and mental health comorbidities were associated with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms and diminished HRQoL after TBI compared to controls. ConclusionTBI was associated with greater mental, but not physical, health comorbidities in the decades following injury. However, physical and mental health comorbidities significantly impacted emotional and HRQoL status after TBI, underscoring a greater need for long-term support for individuals with TBI coping with both physical and mental health comorbidities.

Do syndemic conditions predict HIV medication adherence among urban African American men?

ABSTRACT Much progress has been made in advancing antiretroviral (ART) adherence, yet disparities remain. To explore relationships of syndemic conditions – co-occurring health conditions caused by combinations of biological, social, and structural factors – to ART adherence among African American men, we used data from longitudinal assessments of 302 African American men enrolled in a study designed to increase physical activity and healthy eating. Syndemic conditions included alcohol dependency, drug dependency, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and unstable housing. A syndemic conditions variable was operationalized to indicate the presence of 0–5 conditions. About 55% of participants had 1 or more syndemic conditions. Age and marriage were positively associated with ART adherence, whereas number of syndemic conditions was negatively associated with adherence during the 12-month period. The interaction of being married and the syndemic conditions variable significantly predicted greater adherence. Similarly, the interaction of more education and the syndemic conditions variable predicted greater adherence. In multiple regression models, the syndemic conditions variable remained significant (−0.018) in predicting adherence; however, there was no significant interaction among the 5 conditions. This study lends evidence to syndemics literature indicating deleterious consequences of negative life experiences on health outcomes.

Phenotyping Down syndrome: discovery and predictive modelling with electronic medical records.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a heightened risk for various co-occurring health conditions, including congenital heart disease (CHD). In this two-part study, electronic medical records (EMRs) were leveraged to examine co-occurring health conditions among individuals with DS (Study 1) and to investigate health conditions linked to surgical intervention among DS cases with CHD (Study 2). De-identified EMRs were acquired from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and facilitated creating a cohort of N=2282 DS cases (55% females), along with comparison groups for each study. In Study 1, DS cases were one-by-two sex and age matched with samples of case-controls and of individuals with other intellectual and developmental difficulties (IDDs). The phenome-disease association study (PheDAS) strategy was employed to reveal co-occurring health conditions in DS versus comparison groups, which were then ranked for how often they are discussed in relation to DS using the PubMed database and Novelty Finding Index. In Study 2, a subset of DS individuals with CHD [N=1098 (48%)] were identified to create longitudinal data for N=204 cases with surgical intervention (19%) versus 204 case-controls. Data were included in predictive models and assessed which model-based health conditions, when more prevalent, would increase the likelihood of surgical intervention. In Study 1, relative to case-controls and those with other IDDs, co-occurring health conditions among individuals with DS were confirmed to include heart failure, pulmonary heart disease, atrioventricular block, heart transplant/surgery and primary pulmonary hypertension (circulatory); hypothyroidism (endocrine/metabolic); and speech and language disorder and Alzheimer's disease (neurological/mental). Findings also revealed more versus less prevalent co-occurring health conditions in individuals with DS when comparing with those with other IDDs. Findings with high Novelty Finding Index were abnormal electrocardiogram, non-rheumatic aortic valve disorders and heart failure (circulatory); acid-base balance disorder (endocrine/metabolism); and abnormal blood chemistry (symptoms). In Study 2, the predictive models revealed that among individuals with DS and CHD, presence of health conditions such as congestive heart failure (circulatory), valvular heart disease and cardiac shunt (congenital), and pleural effusion and pulmonary collapse (respiratory) were associated with increased likelihood of surgical intervention. Research efforts using EMRs and rigorous statistical methods could shed light on the complexity in health profile among individuals with DS and other IDDs and motivate precision-care development.

Adrenalectomy in a child with Cushing’s syndrome: Anaesthetic challenges

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare entity, especially in children. The overall incidence of Cushing’s syndrome is approximately 2 to 5 new cases per million people per year. Cushing’s disease is a constellation of co-occurring health conditions and features that pose unique challenges during anaesthesia. A three year old child weighing 21 kg was posted for adrenalectomy. Intraoperatively we faced difficult airway, difficulty in cannulation, difficult regional anaesthesia and hemodynamic fluctuation during tumor resection. Patient was intubated with the aid of an intubating supraglottic device once attempts with fiberoptic failed. This case also highlights the unusual intraoperative hemodynamic fluctuations in adenoma resection similar to that seen in pheochromocytoma.

Estimating life expectancy and years of life lost for autistic people in the UK: a matched cohort study

Previous research has shown that people who have been diagnosed autistic are more likely to die prematurely than the general population. However, statistics on premature mortality in autistic people have often been misinterpreted. In this study we aimed to estimate the life expectancy and years of life lost experienced by autistic people living in the UK. We studied people in the IQVIA Medical Research Database with an autism diagnosis between January 1, 1989 and January 16, 2019. For each participant diagnosed autistic, we included ten comparison participants without an autism diagnosis, matched by age, sex, and primary care practice. We calculated age- and sex-standardised mortality ratios comparing people diagnosed autistic to the reference group. We used Poisson regression to estimate age-specific mortality rates, and life tables to estimate life expectancy at age 18 and years of life lost. We analysed the data separately by sex, and for people with and without a record of intellectual disability. We discuss the findings in the light of the prevalence of recorded diagnosis of autism in primary care compared to community estimates. From a cohort of nearly 10 million people, we identified 17,130 participants diagnosed autistic without an intellectual disability (matched with 171,300 comparison participants), and 6450 participants diagnosed autistic with an intellectual disability (matched with 64,500 comparison participants). The apparent estimates indicated that people diagnosed with autism but not intellectual disability had 1.71 (95% CI: 1.39-2.11) times the mortality rate of people without these diagnoses. People diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability had 2.83 (95% CI: 2.33-3.43) times the mortality rate of people without these diagnoses. Likewise, the apparent reduction in life expectancy for people diagnosed with autism but not intellectual disability was 6.14 years (95% CI: 2.84-9.07) for men and 6.45 years (95% CI: 1.37-11.58 years) for women. The apparent reduction in life expectancy for people diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability was 7.28 years (95% CI: 3.78-10.27) for men and 14.59 years (95% CI: 9.45-19.02 years) for women. However, these findings are likely to be subject to exposure misclassification biases: very few autistic adults and older-adults have been diagnosed, meaning that we could only study a fraction of the total autistic population. Those who have been diagnosed may well be those with greater support needs and more co-occurring health conditions than autistic people on average. The findings indicate that there is a group of autistic people who experience premature mortality, which is of significant concern. There is an urgent need for investigation into the reasons behind this. However, our estimates suggest that the widely reported statistic that autistic people live 16-years less on average is likely incorrect. Nine out of 10 autistic people may have been undiagnosed across the time-period studied. Hence, the results of our study do not generalise to all autistic people. Diagnosed autistic adults, and particularly older adults, are likely those with greater-than-average support needs. Therefore, we may have over-estimated the reduction in life expectancy experienced by autistic people on average. The larger reduction in life expectancy for women diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability vs. men may in part reflect disproportionate underdiagnosis of autism and/or intellectual disability in women. Dunhill Medical Trust, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

A - 172 STEP-Home Intervention Improves Inhibitory and Anger Control, Reintegration, and Neurobehavioral Symptoms in Post-9/11 Veterans with TBI and Other Common Comorbidities.

Post-9/11U.S. Veterans are clinically complex with multiple co-occurring health conditions contributing to morbidity/mortality and decreased quality of life. TBI diagnosis can worsen these outcomes. STEP-Home is a cognitive-behavioral transdiagnostic intervention for TBI and common comorbidities. This study determines if STEP-Home improves anger control, frontal system function, civilian readjustment, neurobehavioral symptoms, and work/life functioning in post-9/11 Veterans. TBI may influence Veterans' ability to learn core skills and, thus, impact response to treatment. Treatment outcomes for Veterans with and without TBI will be explored. 56 (39M/17F; mean age = 39.9) post-9/11 Veterans with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, with and without TBI received 12weeks of the STEP-Home cognitive-behavioral intervention. Assessments at baseline, posttreatment (12weeks), and follow-up (12weeks posttreatment) included: State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2 (STAXI-2); Military to Civilian Questionnaire (M2CQ); Post-Deployment Readjustment Inventory (PDRI); Frontal Systems Behavioral Scale (FrSBe); Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI); World Health Disability Scale (WHODAS); PTSD Checklist (PCL-5); Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). STEP-Home significantly improved anger expression (STAXI-2 p = 0.0320), inhibitory control (FrSBe p = 0.0001), and reintegration status (MC2Q p = 0.0001; PDRI p = 0.0097) posttreatment. Similar improvements were seen in neurobehavioral symptoms, work/life functioning, PTSD, depression, and stress (p's < 0.01). Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up (p's < 0.001). Treatment response did not differ by TBI status. STEP-Home teaches Veterans cognitive-behavioral skills to improve anger and impulse control, executive functioning, reintegration, and work/life functioning. Treatment gains were comparable for Veterans with and without TBI. This is critical given TBI prevalence among post-9/11 Veterans and the need for additional palatable treatment options.

Social Determinants of Child Undernutrition in Adivasi Population in Northern Kerala: A Study Using Syndemic Framework.

To understand the complex interaction of structural inequalities, co-occurring health conditions, and child undernutrition among the Adivasi population in North Kerala, India. A mixed-method approach was employed in this study, which combined a cross-sectional survey and a case study design. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 167 children aged 24 to 60 mo from the study population. The mothers of these children were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess individual, parental, and household-level factors associated with child undernutrition. Two Paniya settlements, one with a high prevalence of child undernutrition (HPS) and the other with a low prevalence (LPS), were chosen as the primary units of the case study. The study found that the absence of a kitchen garden with fruits and vegetables [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-7.81] and a history of cough and fever (AOR2.93; 95% CI: 1.24-6.93) were both associated with a higher risk of undernutrition in children. The case studies revealed that Adivasi children are undernourished due to a complex set of factors that persist throughout their lives, including unequal access to social capital, healthcare, and food security, as well as differences in hygiene practices due to the lack of access to clean water and sanitation. The findings underscore the need for social interventions to complement the current focus almost entirely on food supplementation programmes. Equitable action on Adivasi child malnutrition requires urgent policy and programmatic attention to social inequalities and access to basic amenities in Adivasi areas.

Experiences of goal planning in Australian community pharmacy settings for people experiencing mental illness: A qualitative study.

Person-centred goal planning is increasingly being incorporated into healthcare interventions. People experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs) have high levels of co-occurring health conditions, reducing their life expectancy when compared with the general population. As medications are commonly used in the treatment of SPMIs, community pharmacists are well-placed to support the health and wellbeing of this population. To examine pharmacists' and service users' experiences of goal planning as a component of a community pharmacy-based health intervention for people experiencing SPMIs (PharMIbridge intervention). This study utilised a qualitative exploratory approach with an interpretive description method. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with community pharmacists (n = 16) and service user participants (n = 26) who had participated in pharmacist support services for people experiencing SPMIs (PharMIbridge intervention). Four themes relating to goal planning were identified. First, goal planning provided purpose and motivation for participation in the intervention. Planning realistic goals was important but often challenging. Both pharmacists and service users highlighted the relational aspects of goal planning and how strong relationships supported positive behaviour change and outcomes. Finally, individualised and flexible approaches were important aspects of the intervention, ensuring goals were meaningful to service users. The findings from this study identified positive outcomes from the inclusion of goal-planning processes in a community pharmacy-based health intervention. Further research regarding tools, strategies or training that could support future goal-planning interventions in primary healthcare is needed. The PharMIbridge randomised controlled trial research team included lived experience members and was overseen by an expert panel that included members with a lived experience of mental illness and representatives from key organisations. The training provided to pharmacists was co-designed and co-delivered by the researchers and lived experience representatives, and pharmacists were supported by lived experience mentors. Service user participants were invited to participate in the interviews through a number of pathways (e.g., at the completion of the intervention, flyers). Those interested were provided with the full study participant information and provided with a $30 gift voucher at the conclusion of the interview.

Unsettling Settler Colonialism in Research: Strategies Centering Native American Experience and Expertise in Responding to Substance Misuse and Co-occurring Sexual Risk-Taking, Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy, and Suicide Prevention Among Young People.

Native American (NA) populations in the USA (i.e., those native to the USA which include Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Native Hawaiians) have confronted unique historical, sociopolitical, and environmental stressors born of settler colonialism. Contexts with persistent social and economic disadvantage are critical determinants of substance misuse and co-occurring sexual risk-taking and suicide outcomes, as well as alcohol exposed pregnancy among NA young people (i.e., adolescents and young adults). Despite intergenerational transmission of resistance and resiliencies, NA young people face continued disparities in substance misuse and co-occurring outcomes when compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the USA. The failure in progress to address these inequities is the result of a complex set of factors; many of which are structural and rooted in settler colonialism. One of these structural factors includes barriers evident in health equity research intended to guide solutions to address these disparities yet involving maintenance of a research status quo that has proven ineffective to developing these solutions. Explicitly or implicitly biased values, perspectives, and practices are deeply rooted in current research design, methodology, analysis, and dissemination and implementation efforts. This status quo has been supported, intentionally and unintentionally, by researchers and research institutions with limited experience or knowledge in the historical, social, and cultural contexts of NA communities. We present a conceptual framework illustrating the impact of settler colonialism on current research methods and opportunities to unsettle its influence. Moreover, our framework illustrates opportunities to resist settler colonialism in research. We then focus on case examples of studies from the Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health program, funded by the NIH, that impact substance use and co-occurring health conditions among NA young people.

Examining mental and physical health between autistic women and women with serious mental illness

BackgroundCompared with their male counterparts, autistic women and women with serious mental illness (SMI) usually report comparable or better objective outcomes (e.g. more socially valued roles) but also poorer subjective outcomes (e.g. depression). While a number of studies investigated gender differences in adult outcome in autism or in SMI, this study is to our knowledge one of the first to compare whether autistic women would differ from women with SMI in their profiles of co-occurring health conditions, psychosocial function and in variables related to socially valued roles. MethodsTo explore this issue, we recruited 112 women (57 autistic women and 55 women with SMI) from one center of the REHABase cohort. Evaluation included a medical interview (DSM-5), an interview by a trained midwife to investigate co-occurring health conditions and a standardized scale for psychosocial function (Global Assessment of Functioning scale; GAF). ResultsCompared with women with SMI, autistic women had better psychosocial function but had also a higher mean number of co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. Autistic women were more likely to report current depression (beta=2.25; p = 0.002), current anxiety (beta=2.67; p < 0.001) and a history of school bullying (beta=2.05; p = 0.013). Autistic women reported less desire to become mothers. ConclusionsWhile autistic women and women with SMI report additional challenges resulting in poorer mental health compared with non-autistic women and their male counterparts, the present study suggests that autistic women may experience unique challenges and have unique treatment needs that should be taken into account when designing service provision.

COVID-19 pandemic experiences among people with epilepsy: Effect on symptoms of co-occurring health conditions and fear of seizure

ObjectiveThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly affected people worldwide, but little is known about how it impacted people with epilepsy (PWE). We examined the associations between COVID-19 stressors and health outcomes including increases in other health symptoms and fear of seizure among PWE. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from an online survey that asked about demographic characteristics, health conditions, and potential life stressors during COVID-19. Data were collected from October 30 to December 8, 2020. COVID-19 stressors were anger, anxiety, stress, healthcare access, fear of seeking healthcare, social isolation, sense of control over their lives, and alcohol consumption. A binary variable was created for each of these measures to indicate whether PWEs experienced a negative change versus a neutral or positive change. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the associations of COVID-19 stressors with primary outcomes: exacerbated co-occurring health conditions and increasing fear of seizure during the pandemic. ResultsOf the 260 PWE included in the study, 165 (63.5%) were women; the average age was 38.7 years. During the survey administration period, 79 (30.3%) of the respondents reported exacerbated co-occurring health conditions, and 94 (36.2%) reported an increased fear of seizures. Regression results indicated that the fear of seeking healthcare during COVID-19 was associated with both exacerbated co-occurring health conditions (aOR 1.12; 95%CI 1.01–1.26) and increasing fear of seizure (aOR 2.31; 95%CI 1.14–4.68). Social isolation was associated with exacerbated co-occurring health conditions during COVID-19 (aOR 1.14; 95%CI 1.01–1.29). Reduced access to physical healthcare was associated with increasing fear of seizure (aOR 2.58; 95%CI 1.15–5.78). ConclusionA considerable number of PWE experienced more symptoms of existing health conditions and fear of seizure during the initial year of the pandemic (2020). Fear of seeking healthcare services was associated with both negative outcomes. Assuring access to health care and reducing social isolation could potentially reduce negative outcomes for PWE. It is necessary to provide adequate support for PWE to reduce risks as COVID-19 continues to be a health concern.

Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Resting-State High-Frequency Heart Rate Variability in Binge-Eating Disorder

Abstract. Binge-eating disorder (BED) is associated with a greater risk for cardiac problems and co-occurring health conditions. Resting-state measures of high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), which is a physiological proxy of self-regulatory neural functioning, may aid understanding of health risks. We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the literature on HF-HRV in individuals with BED and without BED. Six studies were reviewed in the qualitative synthesis, and five studies assessing HRV in individuals with BED ( n = 153) and without BED ( n = 124) were included in the meta-analysis. A non-significant effect size (Hedges’ g = .08, SE = 0.36, 95% CI [−0.62, 0.78]; z = 0.23, p = .82) was found, suggesting no difference in HF-HRV between groups. Age, BMI, and BMI-matched control status were not significant covariates. Synthesizing the five studies with available data, we found no difference in resting-state HF-HRV between individuals with and without BED. There was high heterogeneity in the sample, suggesting potential moderators. We discuss potential mechanisms, methodological and demographic confounds, and future directions for study.

Consequences of COVID-19 on adolescents in Arizona: A longitudinal study protocol.

The long-term impact of COVID-19 is unknown. We developed a 5-year prospective cohort study designed to generate actionable community-informed research about the consequences of COVID-19 on adolescents ages 12-17 years in Arizona. The study has two primary outcomes: 1) acute and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 illness and 2) symptoms of depression and anxiety. Data is collected using an online survey with plans to integrate qualitative data collection methods. The survey is administered at baseline, 4, and 8 months in year one, and annually in years two through five. This study is informed by Intersectionality Theory, which considers the diverse identities adolescents have that are self and socially defined and the influence they have collectively and simultaneously. To this end, a sample of variables collected is race/ethnicity, language usage, generational status, co-occurring health conditions, and gender. Additional measures capture experiences in social contexts such as home (parent employment, food, and housing security), school (remote learning, type of school), and society (racism). Findings are not presented because the manuscript is a protocol designed to describe the procedure instead of report results. The unique contributions of the study is its focus on COVID-19 the illness and COVID-19 the socially experienced pandemic and the impact of both on adolescents.

Health Care Needs, Experiences, and Perspectives of Autistic Adults.

Autistic adults have high rates of co-occurring health conditions, suicide, and premature mortality, yet often experience health care barriers and poor health outcomes. A better understanding of the health care needs and experiences of autistic adults is essential for improving the health care system and patient experience. This study examined the perspectives of autistic adults regarding their health care experiences in primary care and other settings and their suggestions for improvement using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Twenty autistic adults (aged 18-35 years, 65% male) completed surveys and individual semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis results revealed 10 subthemes across 3 overarching themes: (1) system- and clinic-level factors affect access to care, (2) aspects of the clinic environment affect health care experiences, and (3) provider knowledge and practices affect health care experiences. Within the first theme, participants described barriers to obtaining services, including scheduling logistics, costs and inadequate insurance coverage, and transportation barriers. The second theme focused on aspects of the clinic environment that participants found especially relevant to their health care experiences and that required specific accommodations. This included sensory input, anxiety-provoking situations and procedures, and wait time. Within the third theme, participants emphasized aspects of providers' care that affected their health care experiences. Key factors included provider knowledge about autism, communication, rapport, and individualized care and patient-provider partnerships. Overall, the findings point to a need for provider training and improvements to the health care delivery system to better meet the unique needs of autistic adults.

Cessation of self-reported opioid use and impacts on co-occurring health conditions

BackgroundAmong veterans in care reporting opioid use, we investigated the association between ceasing opioid use on subsequent reduction in report of other substance use and improvements in pain, anxiety, and depression. MethodsUsing Veterans Aging Cohort Study survey data collected between 2003 and 2012, we emulated a hypothetical randomized trial (target trial) of ceasing self-reported use of prescription opioids and/or heroin, and outcomes including unhealthy alcohol use, smoking, cannabis use, cocaine use, pain, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Among those with baseline opioid use, we compared participants who stopped reporting opioid use at the first follow-up (approximately 1 year after baseline) with those who did not. We fit logistic regression models to estimate associations with change in each outcome at the second follow-up (approximately 2 years after baseline) among participants with that condition at baseline. We examined two sets of adjusted models that varied temporality assumptions. ResultsAmong 2473 participants reporting opioid use, 872 did not report use, 606 reported use, and 995 were missing data on use at the first follow-up. Ceasing opioid use was associated with no longer reporting cannabis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 3.03) and cocaine use (AOR=1.93, 95% CI 1.16, 3.20), and improvements in pain (AOR=1.53, 95% CI 1.05, 2.24) and anxiety (AOR=1.56, 95% CI 1.01, 2.41) symptoms. ConclusionCessation of opioid misuse may be associated with subsequent cessation of other substances and reduction in pain and anxiety symptoms, which supports efforts to screen and provide evidence-based intervention where appropriate.

A systematic scoping review on contextual factors associated with communicative participation among children with developmental language disorder.

Variations in communicative participation of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) cannot be wholly explained by their language difficulties alone and may be influenced by contextual factors. Contextual factors may support or hinder communicative participation in children, which makes their identification clinically relevant. To investigate which contextual (environmental and personal) factors in early childhood are protective, risk or neutral factors for communicative participation among school-aged children with DLD, and to identify possible gaps in knowledge about this subject. A scoping review was conducted based on a systematic search of studies published from January 2007 to March 2022 in Pubmed, Embase (without MEDLINE), CINAHL and PsycINFO. In total, 8802 studies were reviewed using predefined eligibility criteria, of which 32 studies were included for data extraction and critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2021) tools. The methodological quality of included studies was adequate to strong. Personal protective factors identified are being a preschool girl, reaching school age and being prosocial, while personal risk factors are becoming a teenager or adolescent, having low socio-cognitive skills and experiencing comorbid mobility impairment or behavioural problems. Gender after the preschool years and non-verbal abilities were not found to be of influence, and the role of socio-emotional skills is inconclusive. Receiving therapy is an environmental protective factor, while the association between socio-economical family characteristics with communicative participation is inconclusive. Limited research has been conducted on which risk and protective factors present in early childhood are associated with later communicative participation of children with DLD. The influence of co-occurring health conditions, social background variables, individual psychological assets, interpersonal relationships and attitudes of other people represent knowledge gaps. In addition, knowledge about the comparative effectiveness of different types of interventions and service delivery models, and the impact of administrative control, organizational mechanisms and standards established by governments on children's communicative participation is lacking. More longitudinal research is needed focusing on the identification of relevant personal and environmental factors and the interactions between them in relation to communicative participation outcomes. What is already known on this subject Children with DLD experience varying degrees of communicative participation restrictions. Insight into contextual factors that influence communicative participation can help to identify children at risk and inform family and child-centred therapy. Systematic research on contextual factors that facilitate or hinder communicative participation in children with DLD is currently lacking. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Knowledge of protective factors can guide the development of interventions for children and young people with DLD that boost resilience and facilitate communicative participation, while insight into the risk factors can help professionals identify the most vulnerable children and develop interventions that can lift or neutralize barriers present in the life of these children. Specific groups potentially at risk are young boys, children with co-morbid mobility impairment, children with conduct problems, and children reaching adolescence. In contrast, potentially protective factors are reaching school age and being prosocial. In addition, the development of socio-cognitive skills may be beneficial for the communicative participation of children with DLD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? To support communicative participation, it is important that professionals who work with children with DLD understand which groups are at risk for communicative participation restrictions, and which factors can foster resilience. In the absence of evidence-based instruments for the systematic assessment of personal and environmental factors, consulting parents and children on the contextual factors that they perceive as important remains critical.

Gender differences in psychosocial function and self-reported health status in late-diagnosed autistic adults: results from the FACE-ASD national cohort.

While adult outcome in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is generally measured using socially valued roles, it could also be understood in terms of aspects related to health status - an approach that could inform on potential gender differences. We investigated gender differences in two aspects of outcome related to health-status, i.e. general functioning and self-perceived health status, and co-occurring health conditions in a large multi-center sample of autistic adults. Three hundred and eighty-three participants were consecutively recruited from the FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise for ASD cohort (a French network of seven expert centers) between 2013 and 2020. Evaluation included a medical interview, standardized scales for autism diagnosis, clinical and functional outcomes, self-perceived health status and verbal ability. Psychosocial function was measured using the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. While autistic women in this study were more likely than men to have socially valued roles, female gender was associated with poorer physical and mental health (e.g. a 7-fold risk for having three or more co-occurring physical health conditions) and a poorer self-perceived health status. Psychosocial function was negatively associated with depression and impairment in social communication. Half of the sample had multiple co-occurring health conditions but more than 70% reported that their visit at the Expert Center was their first contact with mental health services. To improve objective and subjective aspects of health outcome, gender differences and a wide range of co-occurring health conditions should be taken into account when designing healthcare provision for autistic adults.

Improving Care for Families and Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Co-occurring Chronic Health Conditions Using a Care Coordination Intervention.

This clinical intervention study aimed to improve care integration and health service delivery for children with concurrent neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic health conditions. This population has significant unmet needs and disproportionate deficits in service delivery. A lack of coordination across child service sectors is a common barrier to successful treatment and support of children with neurodevelopmental disorders with complex medical needs. This project implemented an innovative care coordination model, involving one-on-one supports from a trained care coordinator who liaised with the broader intersectoral care team to improve joint care planning, integration of services, and the experience of both families and care providers. To evaluate the impact of care coordination activities, a single-group interventional study was conducted using a repeated-measures framework (at 0, 6, and 12 months) using previously established outcome measures. Over 2 years, this project provided care coordination to 84 children and their families, with an age range from 2 to 17 years. The care coordination intervention demonstrated positive impacts for children, families, and care teams and contributed to clinical efficiencies. Children had fewer visits to the emergency department and less frequent acute care use. Improvement in access to services, joint care planning and communication across providers, and better linkage with school supports were demonstrated. Families reported that the program decreased their stress around coordinating care for their child. This work demonstrated that intersectoral care coordination is attainable through innovative and collaborative practice for children with complex neurodevelopmental and medical needs.

Family Perceptions of Health Care Access for Autistic Young Adults Receiving Disability Services.

Autistic young adults (YAs) often live with family and present with complex health needs. Adults with developmental disabilities (DDs) who live with family are the least likely to receive preventive health care compared with residents of other settings. No published studies have examined intersectionality between age, race or ethnicity, household income, and health needs in health care access for autistic YA. This study explored health care access among autistic YAs receiving state DD services compared with other age and disability groups. We analyzed data from the National Core Indicator's Adult Family Survey of families of DD service users ages 18 and older who lived in the respondent's home. We used bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression to examine family-reported access to health care providers when needed, the role of sociodemographics, and the complexity of health care needs in predicting consistent care. Approximately 70% of autistic YAs had consistent access to health care when needed, similar to autistic adults but at lower rates than those with other disabilities. Odds of consistent health care access were higher among autistic YAs who were Black or lived in a rural area and lower among those with co-occurring health conditions or who needed extensive personal care support. Nearly one-third of autistic YAs who lived with family and receive state DD services had difficulty consistently accessing needed health care. Improved surveillance of health care services in this population is needed in addition to innovations in Medicaid waivers, which fund DD services, to address health needs and support families in accessing care.