NUTRITIONAL HEALTH IN ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME LIVING IN URBAN NORTH-EASTERN ROMANIA
Abstract
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder typically linked with developmental delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and distinctive physical features. With a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, weight management strategies designed for the general population may not be suitable due to physiological and cognitive disparities in adults with DS. Weight issues in individuals with DS often stems from excessive calorie intake and inadequate physical activity, underscoring the importance of addressing dietary patterns. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross sectional study in the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic at Iasi Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital between July 1, 2022, and February 1, 2024. The study included 28 patients diagnosed with DS. We used SGA to assess nutritional status. Results: Among the patients, 25% were overweight and 39.3% were obese. Most obese individuals were from single-parent families (72.2%), performed minimal physical activity (81.81%), and exhibited poor dietary habits. In contrast, the overweight group had a more balanced diet, and superior hand grip strength, even outperforming the normal weight group. The obese group was the only one where we found scores of SGA over 9 points indicating an immediate need for nutritional intervention. Conclusions: Healthcare providers must address the unique challenges faced by adults with DS, including health conditions, feeding difficulties, and barriers to physical activity, while recognizing the critical role and stress experienced by caregivers. Despite the heightened risk of obesity, effective weight management is achievable with proper screening and intervention.
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