Physical and behavioral health of adults with mental retardation across residential settings.
OBJECTIVE
This article presents survey data about the health and behavioral characteristics of a randomly selected sample of 629 adults with mental retardation (MR) living in Massachusetts in 2000. The goals of this analysis were to: describe the health, behavioral, and functional characteristics of the sample; examine relationships between consumer health, behavior problems, and functioning; and analyze variations in health and behavior problems by type of residential setting (parent/relative home, community residence, or institutional setting).


METHODS
The authors analyzed data obtained from interviews with proxies (relatives, guardians, advocates, or program staff) on behalf of consumers and from state agency records. Chi-square analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between health, behavioral, and functional characteristics of consumers and differences in health and behaviors by type of residence.


RESULTS
More than 80% of consumers were reported to have either "excellent" or "good" health. Overall health status did not significantly vary by residential type, but was significantly related to the presence of additional disabilities and some functional limitations. Several health and behavioral measures varied significantly by residential type: recent physical, dental, and ob/gyn exams; medication usage; problem behaviors; and functional level.


CONCLUSIONS
As large numbers of individuals with MR reach adulthood and old age, public health and medical professionals face the challenges of addressing the health and behavioral needs of this population, preventing secondary health conditions, and improving environmental conditions that may influence health and mental health.
Freedman
Ruth I
RI
School of Social Work, Boston University School of Social Work, MA 02215, USA. freedman@bu.edu
Chassler
Deborah
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015995:Prevalence; D019727:Proxy; D011634:Public Health; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires