Survival of profoundly disabled people with severe mental retardation
R. K. Eyman, H. J. Grossman, R. H. Chaney and T. L. Call
School of Education, University of California, Riverside 92521-0128.
OBJECTIVE--To define further the association between survival and clinical
disabilities in profoundly disabled people with mental retardation in an
11-year period. RESEARCH DESIGN--An 11-year follow-up study of the survival
of six mutually exclusive subgroups. The presence of severe, profound, or
suspected mental retardation and incontinence were considered in all
individuals when forming the subgroups. Varying combinations of abilities
in mobility, rolling, feeding, and arm-hand use were also considered.
PARTICIPANTS--Six subgroups of severely disabled subjects. Included were
128,248 of 155,851 persons who received services from the California
Department of Developmental Services between January 1980 and March 1991.
MEASUREMENTS/MAIN RESULTS--Survival estimates for individuals who were
immobile and could not roll over were short regardless of arm-hand use or
feeding status, as were estimates for people who were tube fed. For
individuals who could roll over, but were otherwise immobile, survival was
relatively improved. CONCLUSION--Individuals who are unable to move their
extremities or bodies voluntarily or who require tube feeding have very
shortened life expectancies.
