Comparison of Chronic Disease Prevalence in Older Australians With and Without Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Introduction: Increased longevity has led to a greater burden of chronic diseases. People with intellectual disability (PwID) experience considerable ill-health across the lifespan. We report on comparative prevalence of chronic physical and mental health problems of a cohort of older Australians with and without ID. <br> Methods: Cross-sectional survey of adults aged 60-87 years (PwID, n = 391; non-ID = 920). Respondents reported on conditions present from a list of 19 options. Additional health problems were assessed through open-response free-text. Access to primary and secondary healthcare practitioners was queried. <br> Results: The mean number of chronic health conditions was 3.8 (SD, 2.7) for PwID and 2.9 (SD, 2.5) for non-ID group respectively. The prevalence of arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer was similar. Other chronic physical health conditions (diabetes, asthma, nonrefractive vision problems), and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression) were significantly higher in PwID. Access to healthcare practitioners was high for both groups, though PwID had more gaps in treatment. <br> Implications: There is higher cumulative burden of chronic diseases in PwID. Discrepancies in treatment allude to inadequacy or inequity in appropriate healthcare, along with missed opportunities for early screening of known risk factors. Comparative OECD data reveals commonalities of chronic disease patterns for older PwID. Given this, these findings should serve as stimuli for improving early recognition and management including decreasing inequities in healthcare across disability and aged-care services.