The lifestyle behaviours of young adults with intellectual disabilities as they transition from school to adulthood: A pilot and feasibility study

In: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities: JARID, Band 31, Heft 6, S. 1154-1163

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIn the general population, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has been identified as a "high‐risk" period for weight gain. There has been no research examining health behaviours over this transition in adults with intellectual disabilities.Methods/designThe feasibility of recruitment, retention and relevant health behaviours were measured in 31 adolescents with mild‐moderate intellectual disabilities. Anthropometric, objective physical activity, dietary and self‐determination measures were collected over a 12‐month transitional period from school to adulthood.ResultsKey results suggest weight and BMI increased significantly from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.043). Waist circumference increased significantly from baseline to month 12 (p = 0.049), and from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.03).DiscussionRecruiting and retaining young adults with intellectual disabilities over a 12‐month health behaviour study is feasible. The data indicate the transition from school to adulthood may be the start of a high‐risk period for weight gain.