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    The impact of COVID-19 on people ageing with an intellectual disability in Ireland: Protocol for a follow-up survey


    McCarron, Mary, Allen, Andrew, McCausland, Darren, Haigh, Margaret, Luus, Retha, Bavussantakath, Fathima Rosmin, Sheerin, Fintan, Mulryan, Niamh, Burke, Eilish, McGlinchey, Eimear, Flannery, Fidelma and McCallion, Philip (2021) The impact of COVID-19 on people ageing with an intellectual disability in Ireland: Protocol for a follow-up survey. HRB Open Research, 4. p. 95. ISSN 2515-4826

    Abstract

    Background : The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time. Aim : To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences. Methods : A structured questionnaire for people with intellectual disability participating in the IDS-TILDA longitudinal study, to be administered by telephone/video in summer 2021. Where participants are unable to respond independently, a proxy respondent will be invited to either assist the participant or answer questions on their behalf. This questionnaire will include questions from the first COVID-19 questionnaire, with extra questions assessing “long COVID” (i.e. COVID-19 lasting for 12 weeks or longer), infection control behaviours, changes in mental health, social contacts and loneliness, frailty, healthcare, and incidence of vaccination. Impact : The results of this survey will be used to inform healthcare provision for people with intellectual disability during the latter stages of the lockdown and into the future.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: COVID-19; frailty; healthcare; intellectual disability; lockdown; mental health; social participation; vaccination;
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Subject Areas > Science & Engineering > Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > Research Institutes > Human Health Institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Nursing
    Item ID: 21485
    Identification Number: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13340.2
    Depositing User: Fintan Sheerin
    Date Deposited: 29 Apr 2026 12:18
    Journal or Publication Title: HRB Open Research
    Publisher: f1000research
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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