Abstract
This research indicates the necessity of broadening OT health management interventions specific to the growing number of aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to support improved quality of life, health literacy, and reduced medical costs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Margaret M. Grill
Contributing Authors: Grace Mazzocco, Miranda Miller, Rija Qureshi, Nina Urso Russo, Kaylie VanDoren, Abigail Ward
The purpose of this project was to determine how implementation of a six-week health management occupational therapy intervention program for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) would improve participants’ knowledge and comprehension of autonomous health management occupations and impact on perceived quality of life. This research sought to support the advancement of the occupation, health management, as it relates to community practice. Additionally, this study sought to address gaps in literature relative to aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and improved health initiative outcomes. This mixed methods study recruited aging adults with identified moderate intellectual and/or developmental disabilities(I/DD), ranging in age from twenty-three to sixty-four years residing in a residential community group home affiliated with a faith-based organization. A Qualtrics software survey, consisting of demographic, multiple choice, open-ended, and Likert scale questions, was administered to prospective participants who were recruited through convenience sampling. A pretest questionnaire was administered to participants prior to the beginning of the study and a post-test was re-administered after the study. Comparison of the questionnaire results intend to assess the impact the sessions have on the participants’ gained knowledge of health management. Quantitative results indicated increased knowledge and comprehension of health management relative to physical fitness, proper nutrition, and self-management. Qualitative results indicated positive participant perceptions of health management and impact on perceived quality of life. These findings indicate the necessity to broaden occupational therapy scope of practices in health management and promotion specific to the growing number of aging adults with I/DD and to support improved quality of life, health literacy, and resultant reduced healthcare costs.
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