Prevalence and Characteristics of Hoarding Behaviour and Domestic Squalor Among Adults With Mild Intellectual Disability Receiving Residential or Outpatient Care

Abstract

Background

To date, no studies have examined the prevalence of hoarding behaviour and domestic squalor among individuals with mild intellectual disability. To address this gap, we conducted a prevalence study within a population supported by a medium-sized care organisation in the Netherlands.

Method

Data were collected on 437 individuals with mild intellectual disability receiving care in residential facilities or through outpatient services. Assessments were conducted using the Hoarding Rating Scale-Interview, the Environmental Cleanliness and Clutter Scale, and the Clutter Image Rating Scale.

Results

Hoarding behaviour and/or domestic squalor were observed in 16.8% of the residents. Support staff identified 8.3% of dwellings as posing significant safety risks or health hazards. Additionally, 6.7% of residents had been threatened with eviction due to hoarding or squalor.

Conclusions

Hoarding behaviour and domestic squalor appear to be more prevalent among individuals with mild intellectual disability in care settings than among the overall population.