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International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2022The assessment of challenging behavior exhibited by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is essential for the planning of prevention and intervention... (Review)
Review
The assessment of challenging behavior exhibited by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is essential for the planning of prevention and intervention programs. This review aimed to identify and analyze the standardized instruments that exclusively focus on the assessment of challenging behavior. We identified and organized 141 articles into four categories: original instrument studies, validation studies, relational studies, and intervention studies. The results identified 24 instruments that generally show high-quality psychometric properties and other utilities beyond the observation of the presence of challenging behavior and diagnostic categorization. Age, level of adaptive behavior, disability, presence of autism spectrum disorder, and medication are some of the variables that were found to be possibly related to the occurrence of challenging behavior. Additionally, the results suggest that interventions focused on supporting positive behavior or providing training on behavior to professionals and caregivers significantly reduced the occurrence of these behaviors. Instruments that help us to understand and measure the challenging behavior exhibited by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are essential for the design of effective evaluation and intervention protocols.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Developmental Disabilities; Disabled Persons; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Psychometrics
PubMed: 35886552
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148701 -
The South African Journal of... Sep 2017It can hardly be disputed that a school environment should be conducive or, at the very least, not prohibitive to effective learning. The provision of fair, equal and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It can hardly be disputed that a school environment should be conducive or, at the very least, not prohibitive to effective learning. The provision of fair, equal and barrier-free access to education is referred to as inclusive education. South Africa supports a policy of inclusive schooling, striving to accommodate all children, including those with disabilities, in mainstream schools. This article sets out to prove that noise control in classrooms is a relevant, yet neglected, aspect of inclusive classroom design in South Africa and requires specific attention.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are to: (1) establish the impact that noise has on learners with sensory, language or learning impairments; (2) establish the preferred listening conditions for these learners by examining prior research and guidelines available in other countries; and (3) outline the current South African regulations pertaining to classroom acoustics and assess them against the preferred listening environment.
METHOD
This research was conducted as a systematic review with reference to the South African context. Local and international research and guidelines were used as references, providing an overview and evaluation of data concerning noise and learning.
RESULTS
Noise is disadvantageous for learners, particularly those with sensory, language or learning impairments. Research and international guidelines show that the ideal ambient level is 30 dBA - 35 dBA, allowing the achievement of an ideal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of +15 dB, and the ideal reverberation time is 0.4 s - 0.6 s. Various South African regulations discussed are inconsistent regarding ambient noise level (ranging from 35 dBA - 50 dBA) and say little about reverberation time for classrooms.
CONCLUSION
South African regulations regarding classroom acoustics require revision to ensure inclusion of all learners with disabilities. The current status does not enforce barrier-free environments in mainstream schools for children with sensory, language or learning impairments.
Topics: Acoustics; Child; Child Behavior; Disabled Children; Environmental Monitoring; Facility Design and Construction; Humans; Language Disorders; Learning; Learning Disabilities; Mainstreaming, Education; Motion; Noise; Schools; Sensation Disorders; South Africa; Vibration
PubMed: 28893075
DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v64i1.550 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2019More than three million persons are disabled by leprosy worldwide. The main complication of sensory nerve damage is neuropathic ulceration, particularly of the feet. In... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
More than three million persons are disabled by leprosy worldwide. The main complication of sensory nerve damage is neuropathic ulceration, particularly of the feet. In this review we explored interventions that can prevent and treat secondary damage to skin and limbs.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of self-care, dressings and footwear in preventing and healing secondary damage to the skin in persons affected by leprosy.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (April 2008), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2008), MEDLINE (from 2003 to April 2008), EMBASE (from 2005 to April 2008), CINAHL (1982-2006) and LILACS (1982- April 2008 ) as well as online registers of ongoing trials (April 2008).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials involving anyone with leprosy and damage to peripheral nerves treated with any measures designed to prevent damage with the aim of healing existing ulcers and preventing development of new ulcers.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Eight trials with a total of 557 participants were included. The quality of the trials was generally poor. The interventions and outcome measures were diverse. Although three studies that compared zinc tape to more traditional dressings found some benefit, none of these showed a statistically significant effect. One trial indicated that topical ketanserin had a better effect on wound healing than clioquinol cream or zinc paste, RR was 6.00 (95% CI 1.45 to 24.75). We did not combine the results of the two studies that compared topical phenytoin to saline dressing, but both studies found statistically significant effects in favour of phenytoin for healing of ulcer (SMD -2.34; 95% CI -3.30 to -1.39; and SMD -0.79; 95% CI -1.20 to 0.39). Canvas shoes were not much better than PVC-boots, and double rocker shoes did not promote healing much more than below-knee plasters.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
One study suggested that topical ketanserin is more effective than clioquinol cream or zinc paste. Topical phenytoin (two studies) may be more effective than saline dressing regarding ulcer healing. For the other dressings the results were equivocal. Canvas shoes were a little better than PVC-boots, but not significantly, and the effect of double rocker shoes compared to below-knee plasters was no different in promoting the healing of ulcers. No side effects were documented.There is a lack of high quality research in the field of ulcer prevention and treatment in leprosy. New trials should follow the current standards for design and reporting of randomised controlled trials.
PubMed: 31425616
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004833.pub4 -
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice Dec 2023Living with a diabetes-related foot ulcer has significant lifestyle impacts. Whilst often considered a last resort, amputation can overcome the burden of ulcer... (Review)
Review
Living with a diabetes-related foot ulcer has significant lifestyle impacts. Whilst often considered a last resort, amputation can overcome the burden of ulcer management, for an improved quality of life. However, limited research has been conducted to understand how the decision to amputate is made for people with a chronic ulcer when amputation is not required as a medical emergency. Therefore, the aim was to identify and map key concepts in the literature which describe the decision-making for diabetes-related amputations. This review followed Arksey and O'Malley's PRISMA scoping review framework. Five electronic databases and grey literature were searched for papers which described clinical reasoning and/or decision-making processes for diabetes-related amputation. Data were extracted and mapped to corresponding domains of the World Health Organisation's International Classification of functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Ninety-four papers were included. Personal factors including emotional wellbeing, quality of life, and treatment goals are key considerations for an elective amputation. It is important to consider an individual's lifestyle and personal circumstances, as well as the pathology when deciding between amputation or conservative management. This highlights the importance of a holistic and shared decision-making process for amputation which includes assessment of a person's lifestyle and function.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Ulcer; Amputation, Surgical; Diabetic Foot; Lower Extremity; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37981124
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.111015 -
Public Health Sep 2023To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the relative risk of COVID-19-related mortality among people with disabilities compared to people without... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the relative risk of COVID-19-related mortality among people with disabilities compared to people without disabilities.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We systematically searched four databases from March 1, 2020, to August 15, 2022. We included prospective studies with a baseline assessment of disability and a longitudinal assessment of the COVID-19-related mortality. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We undertook random-effects meta-analyses to calculate pooled adjusted hazard ratios for COVID-19-related mortality for people with disabilities, also disaggregated by disability type and study setting.
RESULTS
We identified 2596 articles throughout the electronic data search, and 56 studies were included in the review. Most (73%) had a moderate risk of bias. The pooled adjusted effect estimate for COVID-19-related mortality in people with disabilities compared to those without was 2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-3.2). Heterogeneity between the studies was high (τ = 0.28, I = 97%). Effect estimates were highest for population-based samples (3.3, 95% CI: 2.7-3.9), compared to hospital settings (2.1, 95% CI: 1.7-2.7). Risk was not elevated among people with disabilities in care home settings (1.6, 95% CI: 0.7-3.5). Disaggregation by disability type showed that people with intellectual disabilities were at the highest relative risk of COVID-19 mortality.
DISCUSSION
Risk of COVID-19 mortality is elevated among people with disabilities, especially people with intellectual disabilities. Efforts are needed to collect better routine data on disability and to include people with disabilities in the pandemic response for COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Intellectual Disability; Prospective Studies; Disabled Persons; Bias
PubMed: 37541064
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.06.032 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015The prevalence of epilepsy among people with intellectual disabilities is much higher than in the general population. Seizures in this population are often complex and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of epilepsy among people with intellectual disabilities is much higher than in the general population. Seizures in this population are often complex and refractory to treatment and antiepileptic medication may have a profound effect upon behaviour (Kerr 1997).This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review first published in Issue 3, 2007.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the data available from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy of antiepileptic drug (AED) interventions in people with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities.
SEARCH METHODS
For the latest update of this review, we searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialised Register (2 September 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via the Cochrane Register of Studies Online (CRSO) (2 September 2014), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 3 September 2014) and PsycINFO (EBSCOhost, 1887 to 3 September 2014).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological interventions for people with epilepsy and a learning disability.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. We assessed epilepsy/seizure, behavioural and cognitive outcomes, as well as quality of life and adverse effects.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 14 RCTs (1116 participants) in the present review. Data were heterogenous and a descriptive analysis is presented. In the majority of cases where antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were trialled in this population, we found moderate reductions in seizure frequency in that there was a significantly higher rate of responders (reduction of 50% or more) in the treatment group compared with the placebo group, with some studies reporting a higher incidence of seizure freedom in the treatment group. In general, AEDs that are proven to be effective in the general epilepsy population are also effective for refractory epilepsy in people with intellectual disability. It is not possible to comment on the relative efficacy of medications, making clinical decisions difficult.In trial settings patients continued on treatment in the majority of cases. Placebo groups often experienced fewer adverse events. Where adverse events were experienced they appeared similar to those in the general population. The methods by which adverse events were recorded and reported appeared to be inconsistent, resulting in very large variation between studies. This is problematic as clinically relevant interpretation of these findings is limited.The quality of evidence provided in the present review is low to moderate. Additionally the majority of studies lacked or used non-reliable measures of behavioural exacerbation. However, where measured, little obvious impact on behaviour was seen in terms of behaviour disorder.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review broadly supports the use of AEDs to reduce seizure frequency in people with refractory epilepsy and intellectual disability. The evidence suggests that adverse events are similar to those in the general population and that behavioural adverse events leading to discontinuation are rare; however, other adverse effects are under-researched.
Topics: Anticonvulsants; Epilepsy; Humans; Persons with Mental Disabilities; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26333428
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005399.pub3 -
Interactive Journal of Medical Research Feb 2022This review focused on how sexual consent ability was determined, managed, and enhanced in people with cognitive disabilities, with the aim of better understanding the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This review focused on how sexual consent ability was determined, managed, and enhanced in people with cognitive disabilities, with the aim of better understanding the recurring themes influencing the design and implementation of these approaches. If a person's consensual ability becomes compromised, owing to either an early or late-onset cognitive disability, the formal systems involved must establish plans to balance the individual's rights and restrictions on sexual expression. This review identified these plans, focusing on how they promoted the intimacy rights of the individual.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to identify approaches that determine sexual consent ability in people with cognitive disabilities, identify the means of managing and enhancing sexual consent ability in people with cognitive disabilities, and note the recurring themes that influence how these approaches and management systems are designed and implemented.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed using EBSCOhost (Social Gerontology, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and SocINDEX), Embase, PsyInfo, and Scopus to locate reports on terms expanded on sexual consent and cognitive disability.
RESULTS
In all, 47 articles were identified, featuring assessment practices, legal case studies, and clinical standards for managing sexual consent capacity in people with cognitive disabilities. A total of 8 studies (5/8, 63% qualitative and 3/8, 38% quantitative) were included out of the 47 articles identified. Approaches for determining sexual consent included functional capacity and person-centered, integrated, and contextual approaches. Management of sexual consent ability included education, attitude, and advanced directives and support networks. The recurring themes that influenced these approaches included the 3 legal criteria of consent, American Bar Association and American Psychological Association Model, Lichtenberg and Strzepek Instrument, Ames and Samowitz Instrument, Lyden approach, Mental Capacity Act of 2005, and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority of 2009.
CONCLUSIONS
Determining sexual consent takes a holistic approach, with individuals judged in terms of their adaptive abilities, capacities, and human rights. The attitudes of those using this holistic approach need to be balanced; otherwise, the sexual rights of assessed people could be moved either in favor or against them. The ideal outcome, after person-centered considerations of those living with cognitive disabilities includes the people themselves being involved in the process of personalizing these approaches used to facilitate healthy intimate relationships.
PubMed: 35119371
DOI: 10.2196/28137 -
Midwifery Apr 2022Women with physical disabilities face multiple barriers in accessing safe, respectful and acceptable healthcare. As the number of women with physical disabilities... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Women with physical disabilities face multiple barriers in accessing safe, respectful and acceptable healthcare. As the number of women with physical disabilities becoming pregnant rises, ensuring their access to acceptable and high-quality maternity care becomes increasingly important. This review aimed to explore the most recent evidence regarding access to, and experiences of, maternity care for women with physical disabilities in high-income countries.
DESIGN
A scoping review was undertaken as guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search of five online databases identified relevant articles published in English from 2000 to 2020. Reference lists of included studies were also screened, and quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklists. A thematic synthesis was undertaken to develop descriptive and analytical themes.
FINDINGS
After screening, 27 articles from eight high-income countries were included. All articles were identified as having moderate or high methodological rigour in the quality appraisal. Women with physical disabilities reported numerous barriers in accessing maternity care and described predominantly mixed and negative experiences of care. These findings were grouped under three major themes: women with physical disabilities want a "normal" pregnancy experience; the need to strengthen maternity provider's disability knowledge and skills; and promoting enabling environments for improved access to, and experiences of, maternity care.
KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
This review found that for women with physical disabilities access to, and experiences of, maternity care is suboptimal. Improving maternity providers disability knowledge and awareness, increasing the availability of support services for women, and increasing person-centred care through organisational policies and provider training may help to address the inequities women with disabilities face in accessing high-quality maternity care.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Maternal Health Services; Obstetrics; Pregnancy; Quality of Health Care
PubMed: 35158123
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103273 -
Translational Sports Medicine 2022Youth around the globe place their shoulders at risk for injury when participating in sports. Shoulder injuries may vary in severity, produce the potential for time-loss... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Youth around the globe place their shoulders at risk for injury when participating in sports. Shoulder injuries may vary in severity, produce the potential for time-loss from sport, and result in functional disability. We sought to explore sport-related shoulder injuries in youth by identifying injury rates, risk factors, injury mechanisms, and injury prevention strategies.
METHODS
All relevant full-text articles were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sport Discus, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry. No date restrictions were used. All full-text studies reporting original research describing sport-related shoulder injury among female and/or male youth from 5 to 18 years old were included.
RESULTS
Of 3,889 studies screened, 97 described shoulder injury in youth sports. Shoulder injuries were identified in 24 unique sports. The median seasonal prevalence of shoulder injury was 10.9% (range 1.2-28.2%). The most common injury mechanisms identified were contacted with another player, contact with the playing environment, and falling to the ground. Risk factors for shoulder injury identified were side-to-side strength imbalances, weak external rotator muscles, and scapular dyskinesia. One study evaluated a successful training strategy to prevent shoulder injuries, but two other interventions demonstrated no effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Sport-related shoulder injuries are prevalent among youth athletes. Injury risk factors identified included modifiable intrinsic factors such as strength, range of motion, and training load. The most common injury mechanism was direct contact with either another person or an object in the playing environment. Innovative shoulder-specific strategies are needed to reduce shoulder injuries in this population. Trial Registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42020189142.
PubMed: 38655170
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8791398 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Apr 2022To determine the proportion of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) using health services and frequency of use, and to explore experiences and perceptions of health services... (Review)
Review
AIM
To determine the proportion of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) using health services and frequency of use, and to explore experiences and perceptions of health services for this population.
METHOD
A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Five databases were searched to September 2020. Observational and qualitative studies were included. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts; extracted data; and assessed the quality of included studies. Separate meta-analyses were used to pool the proportion of adults using each service and frequency of use. A meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesize qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated using the Andersen and Newman Model of health care utilization.
RESULTS
Fifty-seven studies (31 quantitative, 26 qualitative) of 14 300 adults with CP were included. The proportion of adults using services ranged from 7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2-13%) for urologists to 84% (95% CI: 78-90%) for general practitioners. Incidence of visits ranged from 67 (95% CI: 37-123) hospital admissions to 404 (95% CI: 175-934) general practitioner visits per 100 person-years. Qualitative themes highlighted issues regarding accessibility, caregivers' involvement, health workers' expertise, unmet ageing needs, transition, and health system challenges.
INTERPRETATION
Adults with CP used a wide range of health services but faced context-specific challenges in accessing required care. Appropriate service delivery models for adults with CP are required. This review emphasizes a need to develop an appropriate service model for adults with CP to meet their needs.
Topics: Adult; Cerebral Palsy; Health Personnel; Health Services; Humans; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 34705276
DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15097