Abstract
Background
In the general population, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has been identified as a “high-risk” period for weight gain. There has been no research examining health behaviours over this transition in adults with intellectual disabilities.
Methods/design
The feasibility of recruitment, retention and relevant health behaviours were measured in 31 adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. Anthropometric, objective physical activity, dietary and self-determination measures were collected over a 12-month transitional period from school to adulthood.
Results
Key results suggest weight and BMI increased significantly from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.043). Waist circumference increased significantly from baseline to month 12 (p = 0.049), and from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.03).
Discussion
Recruiting and retaining young adults with intellectual disabilities over a 12-month health behaviour study is feasible. The data indicate the transition from school to adulthood may be the start of a high-risk period for weight gain.
In the general population, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has been identified as a “high-risk” period for weight gain. There has been no research examining health behaviours over this transition in adults with intellectual disabilities.
Methods/design
The feasibility of recruitment, retention and relevant health behaviours were measured in 31 adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. Anthropometric, objective physical activity, dietary and self-determination measures were collected over a 12-month transitional period from school to adulthood.
Results
Key results suggest weight and BMI increased significantly from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.043). Waist circumference increased significantly from baseline to month 12 (p = 0.049), and from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.03).
Discussion
Recruiting and retaining young adults with intellectual disabilities over a 12-month health behaviour study is feasible. The data indicate the transition from school to adulthood may be the start of a high-risk period for weight gain.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1154-1163 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Early online date | 28 Jun 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Nov 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- diet
- intellectual disabilities
- lifestyle behaviours
- physical activity
- transition
- weight gain prevention