The lifestyle behaviours of young adults with intellectual disabilities as they transition from school to adulthood: A pilot and feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: In the general population, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has been identified as a "high-risk" period for weight gain. There has been no research examining health behaviours over this transition in adults with intellectual disabilities. METHODS/DESIGN: The feasibility of recruitment, retention and relevant health behaviours were measured in 31 adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. Anthropometric, objective physical activity, dietary and self-determination measures were collected over a 12-month transitional period from school to adulthood. RESULTS: Key results suggest weight and BMI increased significantly from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.043). Waist circumference increased significantly from baseline to month 12 (p = 0.049), and from month 6 to month 12 (p = 0.03). DISCUSSION: Recruiting and retaining young adults with intellectual disabilities over a 12-month health behaviour study is feasible. The data indicate the transition from school to adulthood may be the start of a high-risk period for weight gain.

A theory-informed qualitative exploration of social and environmental determinants of physical activity and dietary choices in adolescents with intellectual disabilities in their final year of school.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is higher in those with intellectual disabilities than the general population. The aim of the study was to understand the determinants of physical activity and dietary patterns in this population during their final year of school. METHOD: Qualitative data were generated from 10 interviews with adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, employing Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: Adolescents' environment and social interactions play a pivotal role in influencing physical activity and dietary patterns. Three themes emerged from the analysis: situatedness, motivation and wider environmental influences. CONCLUSIONS: School structure, high self-efficacy and social connectedness facilitate increased physical activity and healthier diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Home life, low self-efficacy and a lack of social connectedness can serve as a barrier to PA and a healthy diet.