Utilizing health records to characterize obesity, comorbidities, and health-care services in one human service agency in the United States

Abstract

US surveys report higher prevalence of obesity in adults with intellectual disability. Health records of 40 adults with intellectual disability were retrospectively reviewed for data on health status, problem lists with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, medication lists, and health encounters over 18 months. Mean age was 49.5 years, 53% were males. Prevalence of overweight, obese, and morbidly obese was 28%, 58%, and 23%, respectively. Primary diagnosis was intellectual disability (50% mild, 33% moderate, 10% severe, and 8% profound), 85% had mental health disorders (67.5% with affective or mood and 42.5% had anxiety disorders). On average, residents consumed 2.63 psychotropic medications daily with additional 5.75 medications for axis 3 diagnoses and made 39.2 health visits over past 18 months. Our analysis supports increased prevalence of overweight/obesity, higher comorbidities, dual psychiatric diagnosis, substantial medication consumption, and higher utilization of health-care services in adults with intellectual disabilities. Targeted health interventions are therefore essential to improve their health and quality of life.