Dietary habits and living arrangements in adults with intellectual disabilities

Introduction. Limited research exists regarding the impact of living arrangements on dietary habits in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study examined dietary habits for adults with ID in comparison with the general population and explored the differences across various living arrangements. Methods. Data collection (N=1620) was conducted using a mixed-mode approach (paper/ web questionnaire). Data analyses were employed using baseline data from an ongoing 4-year Longitudinal Health and Intellectual Disability study. Results. Only 8.2% of adults with ID reported having adequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables (≥5 servings), as compared with 23.5% of the general population (BRFSS, 2009). About 28% of participants consumed foods high in cholesterol/fat (≥3 servings per day); 5.1% dined in fast food restaurants (≥3 times per week); 46.2% indulged in unhealthy snacking (e.g., potato chips, corn chips, pretzels) at least once a day; and 13.1% drank at least two cans of non-diet soda per day. Adults with ID who lived independently or with family were more likely to have an inadequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables (55.3%, 55.5% vs. 34.7%, p <0.001), drink more soda (16.9%, 13.7% vs. 6.5%, p=0.001), and dine in fast food restaurants (5.9%, 6.1% vs. 1.4%, p=0.02) as compared to those who lived in a group/foster home. Conclusion. Programs promoting health by targeting healthy dietary habits and choices are needed to improve quality of life in adults with ID, especially those who live independently or with family.