Browsing by Author "Adnams, Colleen M"

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    Health conditions and support needs of persons living in residential facilities for adults with intellectual disability in Western Cape Province
    (2013) Mckenzie, Judith A; McConkey, Roy; Adnams, Colleen M
    Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is a relatively high-incidence disability, with an increased risk of poor physical and mental health. Persons with ID also have lifelong support needs that must be met if they are to achieve an acceptable quality of life. Little is known about these health conditions and support needs in the African context. This study examines persons over the age of 18 years with ID in residential facilities in Western Cape Province. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the health conditions and support needs of persons with ID in Western Cape Province. METHOD: A survey of residents' health conditions and support needs was conducted in face-to-face interviews with the managers of 37 out of 41 identified facilities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The survey comprised 2 098 residents (54% of them female), representing less than 2% of the estimated population of persons with ID in the province. The survey suggests that such persons experience a wide range of health conditions (notably mental health and behavioural issues) but have limited access to general health care and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, the daily living supports required for an acceptable quality of life are limited. The findings highlight the need for better health and support provision to persons with ID.
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    Prevalence and patterns of medication use in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Western Cape
    (2012) Louw, Kerry-Ann; Adnams, Colleen M; Bentley, Judith
    The Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD) are a group of neurobiological conditions of growing prevalence for which there is no known cure. International prevalence studies have determined that children and adolescents with ASD are a highly medicated population. This comes to light in the context of a paucity of data around the efficacy of commonly prescribed medications. There is no data around the prevalence of medication use in the ASD population in South Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the prevelance and patterns of medication use in children and adolescents with ASD in the Western Cape and to determine the relationship between demographic variables and behaviours and medication use.