Lifestyle challenges and issues faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A review

Introduction: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) encounter unique lifestyle (LS) challenges that adversely affect their quality of life (QOL). These challenges arise from physical, social, and environmental barriers, necessitating a comprehensive examination of their multifaceted issues.

Objectives: This review aims to synthesize existing literature on LS challenges faced by individuals with IDD, focusing on barriers in health, education, employment, and social inclusion, while identifying effective interventions and support systems to enhance their QOL.

Generic Aim: The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the LS issues affecting individuals with such disabilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems to enhance their quality of life.

Method: A systematic review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, analyzing studies published in the last decade. The search yielded 180 studies, with 120 meeting inclusion criteria.

Results: The findings indicate that individuals with disabilities encounter significant barriers related to accessibility, social inclusion, and health care. Many studies highlighted the importance of community support and inclusive policies in mitigating these challenges. Key themes included restricted autonomy, health inequities, and social isolation. Effective interventions highlighted include community support programs and inclusive educational practices, which have shown to improve QOL indicators significantly.

Conclusion: Addressing the LS challenges faced by individuals with IDD is crucial for promoting their empowerment and well-being. This review underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, inclusive policies, and ongoing research to improve accessibility and support services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for this population.