Use of health and dental care services in adults with intellectual disability in relation to age and intellectual disability levels

Abstract

Background - This study investigates the use of health and dental care services in adults with intellectual disability in the last 12 months according to Norwegian recommendations and in relation to age and intellectual disability levels.<p>

<p>Method - A cross-sectional community-based survey including 214 participants (56% men). POMONA health indicators were used for data collection.<p>

<p>Results - Health checks and contact with general practitioners in the last year increased with age but were less frequent in those with more severe intellectual disability. Hospital admissions were age independent. Less than one-fifth of women had undergone cancer screening, with small variations according to intellectual disability severity levels. Few had an individual plan. More than one-third experienced poor dental health despite frequent controls.<p>

<p>Conclusions - The use of health checks was lower than recommended, especially in individuals with more severe intellectual disability. Service access and individual plan use need to be enhanced, and dental care services should be improved.