Article Review: Adults with Disabilities

Introduction

Within the article by Havercamp and Scott (2015), a research study was conducted in which individuals were assessed with intellectual disabilities as well as developmental disabilities. The authors stated that people with disabilities tend to experience poor health outcomes and a limited amount of health resources when compared to people who do not have disabilities. In essence, the researchers have tried to compare the health status of the different populations and determine if there is an applicable pattern. The purpose of this paper is to develop an article review on the designated research study that was published in the Disability and Health Journal. 

Summary of Research

The authors begin their discussion by indicating that there are many inequality factors that are often seen with people who have any type of disability. In all of those cases, there are unfair implications and it can then lead to health outcomes which are very detrimental. Some examples of those negative health outcomes include but are not limited to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic pain, and even heart failure. Moreover, there is a strong chance that people may not have proper emotional support and they may feel the need to undergo harmful activities such as smoking and even excessive alcohol intake. Throughout the years, there have been many people who have strived to make the proper changes in order to ensure that there is equality; however, there are still many gaps that need to be filled. This particular study takes the time to address the health status of adults who have disabilities versus those who do not have disabilities. As stated before, the populations that will be assessed will include people who have either developmental or intellectual disabilities.  

Even though health care has progressed a great deal, the same cannot be said about the population of those with disabilities. The authors have emphasized in the article that the injustices are creating more harm throughout the nation and even on a global level. It has also been determined that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who live at home under a caretaker may suffer from greater health disparities. Often, they may have a weight that is unhealthy or other types of mental illnesses which can trigger negative occurrences to take place within the body. Moreover, if there is a need to transition to adult care services, this may not always be done with great ease. One of the most significant factors includes the fact that the impacted individuals may not be able to advocate for themselves. In turn, they require other adults for proper assistance.

Within the study, data was collected from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey as well as the National Core Indicators Consumer Survey. Three different populations were assessed and they are as follows:

• No disability 

• Disability

• Intellectual and Developmental Disability 

The surveys that were used in the study contain several questions that were used as screening mechanisms for the applicable sample group. The sample size for those without a disability was 312,144. The sample size for those with a disability was 132,812. The sample size for those with IDD was 20,395. It should also be known that demographic information was assessed as well. Based on the results of the study, the following includes information that summarizes the facts from each population as well as the importance:

No Disability Population

It was found that 15.2% of this population was smokers and 31.7% of the population was considered to be overweight. Moreover, 23.8% were obese and 10% of the individuals did not have any type of physical activity within the past month. Finally, it was also determined that 7.2% of the population did not have any proper emotional support. 

Disability Population

It was found that 26.7% of this population was smokers which are higher when compared to the population with no disabilities. Additionally, 31.7% were considered to be overweight and 38.2% were considered to be obese which is still higher when compared to the population prior. Finally, 22% reported no physical activity which is doubled compared to the no-disability population and 12% did not have proper emotional support.

IDD Population

It was found that 7% of this population was smokers and 29.2% were considered to be overweight. Moreover, 45.1% reported no physical activity in the past month and 31.6% did not receive emotional support which is a drastic difference compared to the other populations. When compared to the other populations, the individuals with IDD were found to have more health risks. There were vast differences regarding physical activity and even emotional support. Moreover, with both of the disability groups, there was less exercise as well. 

Conclusion

Each of the facts within the population is considered to be very important because they are all indicators that can drive a person’s health. As seen within the study, there was poor overall health for only 1% of the population with no disabilities. This is compared to 14% of people with poor health in the population with disabilities. It should be known that tobacco use, being overweight/obese and a lack of physical activity area all indicators which can lead to detrimental health effects which are why they were assessed within the populations, specifically an increased chance of lung cancer. The researchers also determined that those adults with disabilities did not have proper access to applicable health services which could have been a reason for their poor health. One of the most significant barriers for health inequities among the two populations may include the fact that there is limited professional training. This may limit the amount of care that is being granted. Additionally, there are also many people in the populations who may feel disrespected and devalued which is another major reason for the inequities as well.

Reference

Havercamp, S., & Scott, H. (2015). National health surveillance of adults with disabilities, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and adults with no disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 8(2), 165-172.