Risk factors for injuries and falls among adults with developmental disabilities

The present study was designed to identify risk factors for injuries includ ing falls and non fall-related injuries among adults with developmental dis abilities. The following variables were examined as potential risk factors: age, gender. level of intellectual disability, health, seizures, ambulator y status, adaptive and maladaptive behaviours, use of antipsychotic drugs, and type of residential setting. The subjects were 268 adults with developm ental disabilities greater than or equal to 30 years of age. A total of 30 participants (11%) were reported to have injuries. Over 50% of injuries wer e caused by falls. Individuals who had a higher frequency of seizures. had more destructive behaviour and used antipsychotic drugs had the highest ris k of injuries. A sub-analysis of fall-related injuries indicated that indiv iduals who were greater than or equal to 70 years of age, ambulatory and ha d a higher frequency of seizures had the highest risk of injurious falls. A daptive behaviour, destructive behaviour and physical health were positivel y related to non-fall-related injuries. Individuals with developmental disa bilities who have better health and greater adaptive behaviour may be more active, and therefore, at an increased risk of non-fall-related injuries.