A Picture of Health

By Catherine Steele

If we take pictures of youth and adults with disabilities, which group would give the better "picture of health"?

This critical question needs an answer!!

Researchers have been studying the health of 319 youth with disabilities, 11 to 16 years of age, living in Ontario. In the spring of 1999, 1,500 questionnaires were mailed out to assess the health of adults with disabilities. For comparison purposes, many of the questions for youth were retained, and questions relevant to adults were added. This work was a collaborative effort of Bloorview MacMillan Centre, Discoverability, Easter Seal Society, Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, Ontario March of Dimes, Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association, McMaster University, Ryerson Polytechnic University, Queen’s University, York University and the University of Toronto.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS...
Analyses of 315 questionnaires from adults, 19 to 35 years of age, from across Ontario, show that, in a few areas, adults with disabilities are healthier than youth with disabilities. For example, adults experience fewer stomachaches, less irritability and less nervousness. However, our findings indicate that adult health is worse in many areas. Adults are more likely to smoke or drink, exercise less, feel less happy about their lives, feel lonely, have less confidence in themselves, have fewer close friends and feel helpless.

So, overall, the "picture" of adults is not as good as that of youth! Further computer analysis of the data may provide some explanation. But there is need for adults with disabilities, caregivers, health care professionals and interested individuals to present their reasons for the differences in the "pictures." Suggestions from youth with disabilities will aid in developing programs and services so that they may become healthier adults, and for adults with disabilities, so that they may become a "picture of health."

(If you have any ideas to share on this subject, please call Catherine Steele at Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto at (416) 424-3855 (or 1-800-363-2440), ext. 3642 or leave an e-mail message at csteele.bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca.)