Alcohol use in Service Users with Intellectual Disability
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do Service Users with Intellectual Disability who misuse Alcohol perceive the effects of their use, and does this differ for their Carers? A Qualitative Study.
IRAS ID
127657
Contact name
Victoria Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Dependence and harmful use of alcohol is a relatively common problem in the European Union. It is estimated that 24% of the population in England are consuming alcohol in an actually or potentially harmful manner (NICE Guideline CG115, 2011). Whilst adults with Intellectual Disabilities are thought to have lower rates of alcohol misuse than in the general population, those who do are more likely to suffer ill-effects from its use and may struggle to access appropriate services.
There are few studies that explore the issues and the effect of alcohol use, despite the increased focus on this important subject.
This qualitative study aims to compare and contrast how people with Intellectual Disability and their caregivers perceive their alcohol use and its associated management problems.
We shall use semi-structured interviews in five Service Users, and their identified main caregiver, known to Community Learning Disability Teams in Nottinghamshire who are known to have, or have had, problems with alcohol. Each interview will be audio-taped to ensure accuracy in transcription. The data will be then be analysed, using the transcription of the recorded interview, to identify major themes and comparisons will be drawn.
The researcher intends to use five pairs of Service Users and carers who meet research criteria. It is proposed that Service Users are recruited via an intermediary within the Community Learning Disability Team, who will pass on an invitation.
It is hoped that this study, which shall be disseminated locally and via a peer-reviewed journal, shall provide valuable insights into the perception of alcohol use in those with Intellectual Disability and the associated management issues, if any. The knowledge gained may lead to a better understanding of people with Intellectual Disability who misuse alcohol, which may translate to improved service targetting and delivery.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0368
Date of REC Opinion
29 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion