MEDICAL DISORDERS OF ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION - A POPULATION STUDY

This study was conducted to determine the frequency of medical disorde rs in people with mental retardation. The prevalence of mental retarda tion among adults, ages 20 to 50 years, living in Northern Sydney, was determined, and 202 persons were randomly selected for medical examin ation. Compared to the local population, the study group had significa ntly increased cardiovascular risk factors, rate of medical consultati on, rate of hospitalization, and mortality. The research sample had an average 5.4 medical disorders per person, half of which had not been detected previously. We concluded that the provision of health care to adults with mental retardation needs to be improved.