A controlled national survey in France of health-related challenges for persons with Down syndrome

Despite recent research on the impact of disability on function, little information is available to evaluate the need for daily support in persons with Down syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and relative degree of difficulty experienced by this population in routine hygi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nursing outlook 2006-11, Vol.54 (6), p.345-352
Main Authors: Faulks, Denise, Collado, Valérie, de Freminville, Bénédicte, Newton, J. Tim, Hennequin, Martine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
Adolescent
Adult
Case-Control Studies
Child
Child, Preschool
Cross-Sectional Studies
Disabled Persons - rehabilitation
Disabled Persons - statistics & numerical data
Down Syndrome - epidemiology
Down Syndrome - therapy
Female
France - epidemiology
Health Care Surveys
Health Services - utilization
Health Status
Health Surveys
Humans
Hygiene
Male
Middle Aged
Needs Assessment - organization & administration
Nurse's Role
Nursing
Prevalence
Self Care
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Despite recent research on the impact of disability on function, little information is available to evaluate the need for daily support in persons with Down syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and relative degree of difficulty experienced by this population in routine hygiene and health care when compared to their siblings. A proxy French language questionnaire was used for this cross-sectional survey of 199 persons with Down syndrome and 153 siblings (mean age 12.3 years, range ≤ 1-48). Individuals in the study group had significantly more difficulty performing all activities related to routine hygiene and health care, and were 2–22 times more likely to need help than the control group. Certain acts of routine health care were performed more regularly by those in the study group (6/12 items), and specialist medical and paramedical visits were more regular (OR = 7–44). Increased difficulty and need for help in performing acts of basic self-care may reduce autonomy and social integration for persons with Down syndrome. Recommendations are made in relation to the training of caregivers and health professionals.
ISSN:0029-6554
1528-3968
DOI:10.1016/j.outlook.2006.09.004