Family Practice Advance Access originally published online on November 15, 2007
Family Practice 2007 24(6):576-584; doi:10.1093/fampra/cmm067
People with learning disabilities, carers and care workers awareness of health risks and implications for primary care
a (Formerly) Health Services Research Group and Elmwood Learning Disabilities Service, Royal Cornhill Hospital, 26 Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZH
b Health Services Research Group
c School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QG, UK
Correspondence to Anita F Young, Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen AB10 7QG, UK; Email: ext.young{at}rgu.ac.uk
Received 4 April 2007; Revised 22 August 2007; Accepted 11 October 2007.
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Abstract |
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Background. People with learning disabilities have become increasingly exposed to health risk with the move to community living. Yet, health promotion is poorly developed with a heavy reliance on primary care.
Objectives. To elicit the perceptions of people with learning disabilities, carers and care workers regarding risk factors associated with cardiac disease.
Methods. A qualitative approach was adopted incorporating semi-structured interviews based on vignettes. Twenty people with mild learning disabilities, 10 carers and 10 care workers were recruited. Data were analysed using Miles and Huberman's five-fold process.
Results. In total, 29 women and 11 men were interviewed. A range of health risks was identified with different patterns across groups. There were common concerns around diet. Approximately 50% of participants also had worries regarding ‘excessive computer usage’, often related to physical inactivity, and a similar proportion identified social isolation as a risk. The importance of safeguarding personal autonomy was stressed in all three groups.
Conclusion. We demonstrated the feasibility of engaging with people with mild learning disabilities regarding health improvement. Participants recognized not only risks but also the subtle interplay of different factors, reflecting a grasp of the complexity of health promotion. Approaches within primary care to health improvement need to acknowledge this level of awareness.
Keywords. Awareness of health, cardiac disease, carers, learning disabilities.
Young AF, Chesson RA and Wilson AJ. People with learning disabilities, carers and care workers awareness of health risks and implications for primary care. Family Practice 2007; 24: 576–584.