Evaluation of podiatric disorders in a sample of children with intellectual disabilities: an analytical cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intellectual disabilities (IDs) usually derive from neurodevelopmental disabilities. They limit intellectual functioning and cause adaptive behaviors and orthopedic problems. These disabilities have harmful effects on health, everyday practical skills and social functioning, and they diminish quality of life. The goal of our research was to perform podiatric evaluations on schoolchildren with and without ID and ascertain their records of foot disorders. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at a podiatric clinic in the city of Piedras Blancas, province of Asturias, Spain. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study on 82 schoolchildren affected by ID, compared with 117 healthy schoolchildren, was conducted at a podiatric clinic. Demographic data, clinical characteristics and measurements relating to podiatric examinations were recorded among the participants who completed all phases of the tool that was used in the study process. RESULTS: Almost 90% of the schoolchildren with and without ID presented foot disorders relating to smaller toes, nail disorders, flat feet or lower-limb alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The participants showed elevated prevalence of foot disorders. Podiatric evaluations are a significant means for preventing the appearance of medical conditions and/or foot problems, and they also improve general health.

研究背景：
智力障碍（Intellectual Disabilities，IDs）通常继发于神经发育障碍，可限制智力功能，并引发适应行为障碍与骨科问题。此类障碍会对健康、日常实用技能与社会功能造成不良影响，同时降低生活质量。本研究旨在对伴与不伴智力障碍的学龄儿童开展足病评估，并明确其足部疾病的患病情况。

研究设计与研究地点：
本研究为分析性横断面研究，实施地点位于西班牙阿斯图里亚斯省皮埃拉斯布兰卡市的一家足病诊所。

研究方法：
本研究于上述足病诊所开展，纳入82名罹患智力障碍的学龄儿童，并以117名健康学龄儿童作为对照。对完成研究工具全部流程的受试者，记录其人口学资料、临床特征及足病检查相关测量指标。

研究结果：
近90%的伴与不伴智力障碍的学龄儿童均存在足部疾病，涉及小趾异常、甲病、扁平足或下肢结构改变。

研究结论：
受试儿童的足部疾病患病率较高。足病评估是预防内科疾病与/或足部问题发生的重要手段，同时也可改善整体健康水平。