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Family Practice Vol. 17, No. 5, 405-407
© Oxford University Press 2000

Health problems in people with intellectual disability in general practice: a comparative study

Henny MJ van Schrojenstein Lantman-De Valk, Job FM Metsemakersa, Meindert J Havemanb and Harry FJM Creboldera

Pepijn Centre, PO Box 40, 6100 AA Echt,
a Department of General Practice, Maastricht University, The Netherlands and
b Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation in Intellectual Disabilities, University of Dortmund, Germany.

van Schrojenstein Lantman-De Valk HMJ, Metsemakers JFM, Haveman MJ and Crebolder HFJM. Health problems in people with intellectual disability in general practice: a comparative study. Family Practice 2000; 17: 405–407.

Received 15 October 1999; Revised 2 May 2000; Accepted 16 May 2000.


   Abstract
Top
 Abstract
Introduction
 Patients and methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
In a GP database, 318 people with intellectual disability (ID) appeared to have 2.5 times more health problems than people without ID. This short report deals with the nature of the health problems. Consequences for health care policy are discussed.


   Introduction
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
Patients and methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Nowadays, people with intellectual disability (ID) are seen as normal citizens who need individual support. Their health needs after de-institutionalization are reported to be unmet.1 Mortality appeared to be markedly increased in this group.2 Information about morbidity is scarce. There is a need for an evidence-based health care provision for these people, who often advocate poorly for themselves.

The aim of the present study was to examine the differences in prevalence rates of health problems in people with and without ID who currently are being served by a GP.


   Patients and methods
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Patients and methods
Results
 Discussion
 References
 
Database
This study was conducted within the Registration Network Family Practices (RNH) of Maastricht University in The Netherlands. In this anonymous computerized database, health problems are coded according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC).3 The GPs participating in the RNH store and continuously update the medical records of all patients registered with their practice. The present study was based on the data on file in January 1996.

Persons involved in the study
Case identification of people with ID was achieved by the use of questionnaires defining ID according to the American Association of Mental Retardation.4,5

This resulted in 318 people with ID. Their data were compared with those of 48 459 persons without ID within the same database. Twenty percent of those with ID and 30% of those without ID were older than 50 years. In those with ID, 62% were male, compared with 49% of those without ID.

Statistical analysis
Those patients with and without ID were compared with each other as to the number of diagnoses and the nature of these diagnoses.

The number of diagnoses was calculated by summing the number of diagnosis codes each person had been assigned. In people with ID, the number of diagnoses was reduced by 1, to account for the code for ID. The differences in health problems were then compared for each main anatomical site. Subsequently, the differences in prevalence rate per diagnostic code in the ICPC system were analysed. As a measure of difference, the odds ratio (OR) was chosen. To adjust for the differences in age and sex distribution, logistic regression analyses were performed. The presence of a disorder was the dependent variable. As a reference group for ID, the people without ID were chosen.


   Results
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Patients and methods
 Results
Discussion
 References
 
In those with ID, 12% showed no health problems, whereas this was true for 21% of those without ID. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk for health problems was 2.5 times more for people with ID than for those without.

The difference in prevalence rate of health problems per body tract between those with and without ID is shown in Table 1Go. The highest ORs found are for neurological and psychological problems, followed by ear and eye problems.


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  		TABLE 1 Prevalence rate of health problemsa (in %) per body tract
 
The results for health problems per diagnostic code are shown in Table 2Go. Only those disorders that were registered in 10 or more persons with ID and for which the crude OR did not include 1 are presented. In order to avoid false significant results, 99% CI were computed. These showed 16 significant ORs at the 1% level.


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  		TABLE 2 Absolute number of patients (n) in people with ID (ID+; n = 318) and prevalence rate (%) of health problems in people with or without (ID–; n = 48 443)
 
ORs on epilepsy, musculo-skeletal impairment and congenital anomalies ranked above 10 for people with ID. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in males, strabismus, perinatal morbidity, deafness, lower leg fractures, obesity and skin problems reflected ORs between 2 and 7 in people with ID.


   Discussion
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Patients and methods
 Results
 Discussion
References
 
No other studies were found which compared the health problems of people with and without ID in one sample.

It was expected that perinatal problems, motor handicap and epilepsy would be found more often in people with ID. Perinatal problems may have caused the brain dysfunction, which manifested itself as ID, motor handicap and/or epilepsy. However, some other results require further attention.

In the present study, the prevalence rates of sensory impairments for people with ID were much higher than in people without ID. Most people with ID experience problems in communicating with others. Communication may be hampered by sensory impairments. Therefore, GPs should make sure that the sensory capacities of their patients with ID are assessed on a regular basis. Annual otoscopy to detect impacted earwax or unidentified middle ear infection and checks of the proper use of glasses and hearing aids is suggested.

While the above health problems are clearly related to the cause of ID, other conditions seem more related to external circumstances, such as lack of information, lack of exercise, poor mobility, poor eating habits, medication use, etc., that presently are characteristic for people with ID. Anticonvulsants and psychotropic medication may stimulate appetite and obesity. Exercise facilities for people with ID are rare. The high prevalence rate of lower leg fractures is correlated with having epileptic fits, using anticonvulsants and being less mobile. The high prevalence of STDs in males is probably caused by a limited insight into sexual hygiene.

The fact that people with ID have twice as many health problems as people without ID justifies a more proactive attitude towards this group by their GPs. People with ID experience communication problems. This limits them in expressing their concern about their own health. They may have a limited insight with regard to their own health. It is conceivable that under-reporting occurs more frequently in people with ID. The excess mortality rate for these people may be reduced by increasing the expertise in physicians. Communication skills regarding people with ID and knowledge of characteristic morbidity patterns should be incorporated into physicians' education.

Preventive activities for people with ID using basic language with an ample use of drawings, comics and videos would focus on reducing morbidity due to life style.


   Acknowledgments
 
Ms P. Rinkens is thanked for her prompt assistance in performing statistical analysis.


   References
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Patients and methods
 Results
 Discussion
 References
 
1 Moss S, Goldberg D, Patel P, Wilkin D. Physical morbidity in older people with moderate, severe and profound mental handicap and its relation to psychiatric morbidity. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 1993; 28: 32–39.[ISI][Medline]

2 Harris EC, Barraclough B. Excess mortality of mental disorder. Br J Psychiatry 1998; 173: 11–54.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

3 Metsemakers JFM, Höppener P, Knottnerus JA, Kocken RJ, Limonard CB. Computerized health information in the Netherlands: a registration network of family practices. Br J Gen Pract 1992; 42: 102–106.

4 Lucasson R, Coulter DL, Polloway EA et al. Mental Retardation. Definition, Classification and Systems of Supports. Washington DC: AAMR, 1992.

5 van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk HMJ, Metsemakers JFM, Soomers-Turlings MSJG, Haveman MJ, Crebolder HFJM. People with intellectual disability in general practice: case definition and case finding. J Intell Disabil Res 1997; 41: 373–379.


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