Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience more chronic health conditions and have fewer opportunities to practice healthy behaviors than nondisabled adults. They are less physically active than their peers and have lower levels of physical fitness. Some adults with ID have restricted or indulgent eating habits, which contribute to poor nutrition and obesity. To further compound these issues, there are racial and ethnic health disparities with respect to adults with ID. There is very limited research on health outcomes among Latino adults with ID and most Latino adults with ID live at home with their families.
The project will conduct two studies using a conceptual model that consists of person and family-related variables as well as contextual variables that impact health and functioning among Latino adults with ID. The first study will be a cross-sectional study including interviews with individuals with ID and their primary family caregivers to collect data on social determinants of health (SDOH), health behaviors (including physical activity and nutrition), and health outcomes (including health status, body composition, and health-related quality of life). The second study will interview Latinx adults with ID using qualitative photovoice methodology about their perspectives on health and healthy behaviors. This project addresses significant health disparities and aims to inform more inclusive, culturally responsive health promotion strategies, emphasizing both individual and contextual factors that shape health and functioning in this underserved population.