Risk factors associated with history of falls in adults with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher risk for falls than the general population.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for falls in adults with ID using objective measurements.

METHODS

Eighty adults with ID (men 36 women 44 age 43 ± 13 years) provided data on falls history, health problems or limitations in daily life, physical activity (PA), and physical performance. We conducted independent-samples t-tests, and Chi-square (χ2) tests to examine the difference between fallers and non-fallers. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify the independent effects of risk factors for falls in adults with ID.

RESULTS

Fallers had significantly lower SPPB, mobility, and moderate PA than non-fallers (p <  .05). Fallers were more likely to be older, need support with activities of daily living (ADLs), and have arthritis or rheumatism, walking problem, and limitations to participating in PA than non-fallers (p <  .05). Among these variables, only needing support with ADLs remained a significant independent predictor of falls in a multivariate model.

CONCLUSION

Support need for ADLs can predict falls in individuals with ID. Caregivers may need to closely monitor adults with ID who need support for ADLs.