The delivery of healthy lifestyle interventions for people with disability living in supported accommodation: a scoping review of intervention efficacy and consumer involvement

Disabil Health J. 2023 Apr;16(2):101444. doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101444. Epub 2023 Jan 20.

Abstract

Background: People with disability living in supported accommodation experience health disparities that may be partly attributed to sedentary lifestyle behaviors and poor dietary quality. Healthy lifestyle interventions have been suggested as a method of health promotion for this population; however, a synthesis of their efficacy has not yet been conducted.

Objective: The primary aims were to (1) identify healthy lifestyle interventions delivered to people with disability living in supported accommodation and (2) examine their efficacy in supporting health and well-being. A secondary aim was to explore whether people with disability have been involved in the codesign of these interventions.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidance for conducting scoping reviews, and six databases were searched from January 2011 to November 2021.

Results: Thirty-two studies were included. Identified intervention types included training and education, exercise programs, and multicomponent interventions. A broad range of outcomes were examined; however, findings regarding efficacy were overall mixed and limited due to significant heterogeneity and the underreporting of consistently measured outcomes. The codesign of interventions in consultation with people with disability was underexplored.

Conclusions: Health promotion training for staff and tailored education for people with disability hold promise in creating a care environment that supports a healthy lifestyle. The paucity of interventions developed in consultation with people with disability is concerning and highlights the importance of meaningful co-design. The development of a theoretically informed intervention that is codesigned and addresses the broader social determinants that influence health behavior is recommended.

Keywords: Disability; Health promotion; Healthy eating; Physical activity; Supported accommodation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Community Participation
  • Disabled Persons*
  • Health Behavior
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Humans
  • Life Style*