Health, healthcare utilization and psychiatric disorder in people with intellectual disability in Taiwan

Objectives. The aims of the present study were to examine health characteristics and healthcare utilization in relation to people with intellectual disability (ID) having psychiatric disorders in Taiwan. Methods. A cross-sectional study was employed; study subjects were recruited from the National Disability Registration Database. Taiwan, stratified by administrative geographical area for the study. Statistical analysis of 1026 carers for people with ID was made to examine the health status and healthcare utilization of individuals with ID having psychiatric disorders. Results. Approximately 12.1% of people with ID had psychiatric disorders. These individuals were more likely to be poorer in health condition and consuming more medical services (in the outpatient, inpatient and emergency care areas), than those individuals without psychiatric disorders. These individuals with psychiatric disorders were also taking medicines regularly at a far greater percentage than did those without psychiatric disorders. Conclusions. Given the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among individuals with ID, the healthcare system should take further steps to develop an appropriate health status monitoring system and community-based and easily accessible mental health services for them.