Physical Health in people with Intellectual disabilities

Abstract

People with intellectual disabilities have a shorter life expectancy and an increased mortality rate across all ages compared to the general population. The main contributors to the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities include:
(1) Social determinants such as poverty and unemployment;
(2) Health problems related to intellectual disabilities (such as congenital abnormalities related to people with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities);
(3) Limited communication and health literacy skills, which may reduce their capacity to understand and convey health needs effectively to others;
(4) Personal health risks related to diet and sedentary lifestyle; and
(5) Organisational barriers to accessing mainstream health care