Risk factors for injuries and falls among adults with developmental disabilities

The present study was designed to identify risk factors for injuries including falls and non fall-related injuries among adults with developmental disabilities. The following variables were examined as potential risk factors: age, gender. level of intellectual disability, health, seizures, ambulatory status, adaptive and maladaptive behaviours, use of antipsychotic drugs, and type of residential setting. The subjects were 268 adults with developmental disabilities greater than or equal to 30 years of age. A total of 30 participants (11%) were reported to have injuries. Over 50% of injuries were caused by falls. Individuals who had a higher frequency of seizures. had more destructive behaviour and used antipsychotic drugs had the highest risk of injuries. A sub-analysis of fall-related injuries indicated that individuals who were greater than or equal to 70 years of age, ambulatory and had a higher frequency of seizures had the highest risk of injurious falls. Adaptive behaviour, destructive behaviour and physical health were positively related to non-fall-related injuries. Individuals with developmental disabilities who have better health and greater adaptive behaviour may be more active, and therefore, at an increased risk of non-fall-related injuries.