Prevalence and risk factors for choking in adults with intellectual disability: Results from a national cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Choking is a serious and under-recognized condition for adults with Intellectual Disability(ID), with health, psychological and potentially fatal consequences. This study aims to determine the prevalence of choking history and risk factors in a population-based sample of adults with ID.Method: 597 adults with IDwereselected as part of The Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Information was collected on choking history, comorbidities, challenging behaviours and eating difficulties. Logisticregressionwas employedto determine risk factors for choking history.Results: 17.3% of participants reported a choking history. The co-occurrence of eating difficulties, Cerebral Palsy, visual impairment, being ≥ 65 years old and antipsychotics use increased the odds of choking history.Conclusions: Choking is prevalent in our sample, especially in individuals with multiple and complex disabilities. Risk assessment should be implemented in usual care. Training staff and caregivers is recommended to increase awareness, prevention and recommendations adherence.