Relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities

Purpose People with intellectual disabilities have lower levels of physical fitness compared with peers without intellectual disability, because of the high levels of sedentary behaviour in this population. This study aims to know the relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disability. Design/methodology/approach Ninety-six adults with intellectual disability were assessed with quality of life questionnaire and physical fitness tests, which involve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and aerobic condition. Findings Adults with higher self-reported levels of quality of life reported higher levels of physical fitness in balance, muscular strength and flexibility. In contrast, in aerobic condition were not found significant correlations with self-reported quality of life. Originality/value These findings support the hypothesis that people with intellectual disability with lower levels of physical fitness could influence in their levels of quality of life. This insight is useful for improving treatments to improve physical fitness in this population.

The Effect of Sex Education Program on the Attitudes of the Families of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

It is extremely important to provide sex education to individuals with intellectual disabilities because they do not know where, when, and in which situations their sexual behavior is appropriate or not, and because they cannot control their sexuality. This study aimed to examine the effect of the Sex Education Program for Families of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ZACEP) on the knowledge level of families of adults with intellectual disabilities and their attitudes towards their children’s sexual development and sex education. The research adopted a single group pre-test and post-test model, one of the experimental research models. The sample consisted of nine mothers. The effectiveness data of the study were collected through the Parental Sex Education Attitude Scale. SPSS packet program was used for data analysis. The pretest and posttest items were first analyzed with descriptive statistics, then frequency, percentage, and maximum-minimum values were calculated. The t-test analysis for dependent samples is required to compare the pretest and posttest scores of a single group. However, due to the number of participants (N=9), the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, which is the nonparametric equivalent of t-test, was used. Research findings showed that the ZACEP did not affect the mothers' attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities. Besides, the ZACEP did not affect parents' attitudes towards sexuality at item level.

Sleep: the neglected life factor in adults with intellectual disabilities

Sleep is vital for our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that there is a high prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep difficulties amongst adults with intellectual disabilities. Despite this, sleep is often overlooked or its disorders are considered to be difficult to treat in adults with intellectual disabilities. There is a significant amount of research and guidance on management of sleep disorders in the general population. However, the evidence base for sleep disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities is limited. In this review paper, we look at the current evidence base for sleep disorders in adults with an intellectual disability, discuss collaborative working between intellectual disabilities psychiatrists and sleep medicine specialists to manage sleep disorders, and provide recommendations for future directions.

Attitudes Towards the Sexuality of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Current research in attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities yields heterogeneous results. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review current qualitative and quantitative evidence of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities. A systematic review of current literature (2000–2020) was carried out in the ERIC, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, PUBMED, and WebOfScience databases. Thirty-three articles were included for review. The present review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database. Included studies presented attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities in samples comprised of staff, family, members of the community, and adults with intellectual disability. Community samples held more positive attitudes, followed by staff and family. Adults with intellectual disabilities reported interest in intimate relationships but perceived barriers in others’ attitudes. Factors such as familiarity, age, gender of the adult with a disability, and culture seemed to have clear relationships. Other factors such as gender or social status remain unclear. In general, attitudes were considered positive. However, a preference for low intimacy and friendship or Platonic relationships was found. Stereotypes towards intellectual disability may have a strong influence. These findings underline the need to investigate and address attitudinal changes to provide adequate support for adults with intellectual disabilities in regard to a healthy relational and sex life.Prospero registration number: CRD42021222918.