Self-reported exposure to disablism is associated with poorer self-reported health and well-being among adults with intellectual disabilities in England: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives: To determine the association between exposure to disablism and the health and well-being of adults with intellectual disabilities. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: Secondary analysis of data extracted from the survey of Adults with Learning Difficulties in England 2003/4. Results: Both self-reported exposure to bullying while at school and self-reported exposure to overt acts of disablism over the previous 12 months were associated with poorer self-reported health outcomes. In the vast majority of instances, these associations were stronger for people with lower levels of material or social resources. Conclusions: Exposure to overt acts of disablism may contribute to the health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities. (C) 2010 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.