Impact of adulthood stage and social-environmental context on body mass index and physical activity of individuals with intellectual disability

Intellect Dev Disabil. 2015 Apr;53(2):100-13. doi: 10.1352/1934-9556-53.2.100.

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at risk for obesity and physical inactivity. We analyzed a subset of 2009-2010 National Core Indicators (NCI) database to examine (1) the impact of three adulthood stages- younger (20-39 years), middle (40-59 years), and older (60 years and older) on Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity (PA); and (2) the relationship between social-environmental context (i.e., residence type, everyday choices, and community participation) and BMI and PA, with adjustment for individual characteristics of the adults with ID. Findings highlight the need to pay more attention to obesity by providing health education and emphasizing healthy choices. Results also suggest the importance of community participation as a way of promoting more physical activity.

Keywords: BMI; everyday choices; intellectual disability; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Social Environment*
  • United States
  • Young Adult