An efficacy trial of the Steps to Your Health program for adults with intellectual disability

Background: A randomized intervention trial was conducted to test the efficacy of the Steps to Your Health (STYH) program for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). STYH is a health promotion programs specifically designed for adults with ID. Method: We enrolled 443 individuals and randomly assigned them to one of two eight week participatory classes. The STYH classes emphasized physical activity, healthy eating and stress reduction. The comparison group attended 8 classes which focused on hygiene and safety. Results: We found a statistically significant difference in BMI reduction between completers of the STYH group compared to the comparison group. The STYH group was more likely to have a decrease in BMI over the one year follow-up (Odds Ratio 3.25 (95% Confidence Interval 1.01-10.43). We also found that completers of either STYH or the control intervention, who lived in group homes, were more likely than their counterparts who lived with families or in supervised apartments, to decrease their BMI (OR 5.86 (95% CI 1.46-23.50). Conclusions: These results also have implications for replication in a disability and public health service programs that service people with intellectual disabilities.