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

ABSTRACT

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 ±â€¯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.