A thematic analysis into the experiences of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period

Embregts, P. J. C. M., van den Bogaard, K. J. H. M., Frielink, N., Voermans, M. A. C., Thalen, M. and Jahoda, A. (2022) A thematic analysis into the experiences of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 68(4), pp. 578-582. (doi: 10.1080/20473869.2020.1827214) (PMID:35937180) (PMCID:PMC9351556)

Abstract

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a substantial impact on people with an intellectual disability. The goal of the current study was to explore the experiences and needs of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period in the Netherlands. Method. A descriptive qualitative methodology was conducted, using semi-structured individual interviews with six people with a mild intellectual disability. Data were analysed thematically. Results. Three overarching themes were found: (i) Missing social contact and having people close; (ii) Being housebound has changed my daily life; and (iii) Hard to understand the preventive measures. Conclusions. Important insights into the experiences and needs of people with a mild intellectual disability during the COVID-19 lockdown period were gained. These insights are valuable with respect to a potential second COVID-19 wave or a future infection-outbreak.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Intellectual disability, COVID-19, corona, pandemic, experiences of people with a mild intellectual disability.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jahoda, Professor Andrew
• Authors: Embregts, P. J. C. M., van den Bogaard, K. J. H. M., Frielink, N., Voermans, M. A. C., Thalen, M., and Jahoda, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 2047-3869
• ISSN (Online): 2047-3877
• Published Online: 05 October 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Developmental Disabilities 68(4): 578-582
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License