Risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: a narrative review

Pope, J., Truesdale, M. and Brown, M. (2021) Risk factors for falls among adults with intellectual disabilities: a narrative review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 34(1), pp. 274-285. (doi: 10.1111/jar.12805) (PMID:32945091)

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of falls involving people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is high in comparison with the general population. There has been little evidence to date on the contributing risk factors. The objective of this review was to identify risk factors for people with intellectual disabilities. Method: Literature searches were conducted using electronic databases to explore evidence on the subject, and narrative synthesis was employed to analyse the results. Results: Seven risk factors were identified: decreasing physical ability, epilepsy, paretic conditions, impulsiveness, previous falls, incontinence and non‐use of assistive equipment. Thematic analysis identified factors across the four concepts: the person, the situation, ongoing and protective factors. Conclusion: Factors for falls involving people with intellectual disabilities are dynamic and multifactorial. Some are specific to the population; however, further research is required to develop the understanding of the possible reasons. The findings have implications across policy, education, practice and research.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Truesdale, Dr Maria
• Authors: Pope, J., Truesdale, M., and Brown, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1360-2322
• ISSN (Online): 1468-3148
• Published Online: 17 September 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities 34(1): 274-285
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence