A Scoping Review of Health-Related Self-Management Approaches for Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Background: The global rise in chronic health conditions highlights the importance of self-management in empowering people to actively participate in their healthcare. People with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately affected by these conditions and face barriers in accessing self-management interventions. Method: This scoping review mapped literature on self-management approaches for adults with intellectual disabilities. A three-step search strategy was employed, involving electronic databases, reference lists, and advocacy organisation websites. Data on study design, intervention characteristics and outcomes were synthesised. Results: The review included 38 articles from 34 studies, focusing on adults with intellectual disabilities. Studies with varied designs and interventions reported successful engagement and positive health outcomes when self-management interventions were adapted for adults with intellectual disabilities and featured caregiver support. Main Conclusions: Adapted self-management interventions are feasible and yield positive outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, client–caregiver models and co-design methodology.