[The medical and social aspects of Down's syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To find what health care is received and the family, school and work integration of people with Down's syndrome (DS).

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SETTING

Primary health care. Community framework. PATIENT AND OTHER

PARTICIPANTS

DS (1 to 25) in Albacete capital. 42 out of 49 were interviewed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

A census and a questionnaire to the parents. Investigations carried out: hearing two or three times: 18 (42.8%); visual acuteness (> 5 years old) three or more times: 22 (61.1%); thyroid function and spinal column: 5 (11.9%); of those over 5, 9 (25%) were obese and 26 (72.2%) brushed their teeth daily; 14 parents (38.8%) had a fortnightly interview with the teachers; 12 (75%) received training in workshops and 5 worked.

CONCLUSIONS

It is considered advisable to run the checks in the programme of the Spanish Foundation for DS Institutions (especially thyroid and neck) and to improve mouth-dental hygiene and weight control. Greater coordination between work and work training is needed.