Background: Sepsis is a common cause of death within the general population and the third most common cause of death for people with a learning disability, suggesting an increased vulnerability or different trajectory within this population. Despite this, there is currently no research into the direct lived experiences of people with a learning…

Background: People with epilepsy and intellectual disability should be considered at high risk of developing metabolic bone disease. Risk is increased with number of comorbidities and polypharmacy, particularly anti-seizure medications. One way of improving bone health is to ensure that every one has adequate levels of vitamin D through…

Background: Reducing hospital admissions for people with a learning disability is a key objective of national guidelines. However, there are currently little available data which indicate factors which might reduce the risk of hospital admission. Using a cohort of people at risk of hospital admission, this research sought to explore the…

Background: People with epilepsy (PWE) have a higher fracture risk than nonepilepsy populations. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) cause bone loss. Limited physical activity and poor dietary intake increase fracture risk in PWE. People with an intellectual disability have higher prevalence of epilepsy, likely to be on multiple AEDs, with poorer response,…

Background: Within Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ), disability policy is directed at increasing choices for disabled people. However, funding to individuals remains insufficient to address wider social inequities that exist. While people with learning disability enjoy the freedom of living independently, they can be at risk of poor health outcomes and…

Background: People with intellectual disabilities are experiencing increased longevity, and in parallel, their family caregivers are also ageing. The literature identifies that these caregivers are at risk of burden. The aim of this study was to measure the level of caregiver burden among older carers of adults with intellectual disabilities in an…

Background: It is well established that valproate, and its valproic acid, sodium valproate, and valproate semisodium forms is a highly teratogenic drug and evidence suggests that use in pregnancy leads to physical birth defects in 10% of children born compared with a background rate of 2% to 3%. Congenital malformations associated with valproate…

Background: People who have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and asthma are at greater risk of poor health outcomes. They often require assistance from caregivers when managing their medicines. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the level of understanding of asthma self-management concepts of family caregivers who…

Background: Internet offers opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, but it also involves some risks. The aim of this study was to explore these issues considering caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities' perspectives. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 77…

Background: Information and communication technologies, with the Internet at the forefront, have the potential to enhance the knowledge, service, employment, development and social interactional opportunities available to people with intellectual disabilities. Despite this, people with intellectual disabilities are not accessing the Internet to…