Childhood adversity, health and quality of life in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Background Associations between childhood adversity and negative health outcomes are well documented within the general population; however, this relationship has yet to be confirmed in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Bridging the gap between public health and I/DD research is critical in order to better understand the ways in which the health of people with I/DD are compromised by adversity and social disadvantage and to develop preventative care frameworks and health‐promoting practices specifically for adults with I/DD. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the relationships among adversity, physical health and quality of life in a sample of adults with I/DD. Method Participants were adults with I/DD currently residing within campus‐based residences. Demographic data, psychiatric and medical diagnoses, adverse childhood experiences scores and quality of life scores were aggregated from participants' electronic medical records. A health history form was completed for each participant based on a review of participants' medical records. Results Results indicated childhood adversity was significantly associated with number of chronic medical conditions (r = .35, P