title: Towards the development of a multi-axial classification of people with learning difficulties.
abstract: The complexity of need experienced by people with learning disabilities might best be described by a multi-axial classification. The data routinely collected for a register of people with learning disabilities were analysed to see whether factors that might discriminate between individuals could be identified. Three factors were identified. The factor scores were used in a cluster analysis. A ten-cluster model formed from these factors made empirical sense. The present investigation indicates that a multi-axial classification is feasible and may be useful. However, the results cannot be applied beyond the data set used for its development at the present time. Ultimately, it will be necessary to collect additional information in order to calibrate the factor scores.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, University of London, England.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rohde
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bonsall
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Emami
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D007360:Intelligence; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012931:Social Environment