A Scoping Review of Health-Related Self-Management Approaches for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Background

The global rise in chronic health conditions highlights the importance of self-management in empowering people to actively participate in their healthcare. People with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately affected by these conditions and face barriers in accessing self-management interventions.

Method

This scoping review mapped literature on self-management approaches for adults with intellectual disabilities. A three-step search strategy was employed, involving electronic databases, reference lists, and advocacy organisation websites. Data on study design, intervention characteristics and outcomes were synthesised.

Results

The review included 38 articles from 34 studies, focusing on adults with intellectual disabilities. Studies with varied designs and interventions reported successful engagement and positive health outcomes when self-management interventions were adapted for adults with intellectual disabilities and featured caregiver support.

Main Conclusions

Adapted self-management interventions are feasible and yield positive outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, client–caregiver models and co-design methodology.