Moving on
Intended for healthcare professionals
A&S Science Previous     Next

Moving on

Karen Dickson Community learning disability nurse, East Lothian
Donna Paxton Community learning disability charge nurse, East Lothian
Karen McKenzie Chartered clinical psychologist, East Lothian

Karen Dickson and her colleagues uncover an important relationship between levels of staff training and diets among people with learning disabilities

Bowel problems can be common in people with learning disabilities. Paxton et al (2001) found that almost half (48 per cent) of the clients with Down syndrome who received a health screen had bowel problems. Indeed, an earlier study found that a similar proportion of clients with a learning disability who were screened took laxatives (Paxton and Taylor 1998). Bowel problems can be influenced by a number of factors. These include congenital abnormalities such as Hirsprung’s disease (Rogers 1998), food sensitivity and allergies (Oliver 1986), inadequate diet management and a lack of a structured toileting routine (Nabors and Morgan 1995, Smith 1990). For some individuals with associated physical disabilities, limited mobility can also be a factor in bowel problems.

Learning Disability Practice. 5, 2, 11-13. doi: 10.7748/ldp2002.03.5.2.11.c1475

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more