Health Care : Current Reviews

Females with Down syndrome: Lost opportunities in primary care

2^nd Annual Congress and Medicare Expo on Primary Care & General Pediatrics

September 19-20, 2016 Phoenix, USA

Freida Toler

Nurse Practitioner, Amarillo Medical Specialists, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Health Care: Current Reviews

Abstract:

Purpose: Nurse practitioners (NPs) need to be aware of the health disparities that exist between adult females with and without Down syndrome (DS). It is essential that necessary primary and preventive healthcare services are available to women with DS to maintain adequate health and quality of life, and reduce the occurrence of misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed treatable diseases. Data sources: Review of published literature, DS society reports, and U.S. government reports. Conclusions: A lack of agreed guidelines for the screening of adult females with DS contributes to unmet health needs in primary care for this population. Adequate promotion of health in all persons with disabilities, including the specific needs of women with DS, will help prevent the development of preventable secondary disabilities. Research shows that health promotion, screenings, and preventive care are overlooked or ignored in the female population with DS. Barriers to this care were consistent with misconceived attitudes and beliefs about adults with DS and a lack of training for primary care providers in caring for persons with disabilities. Implications for practice: Although much research is needed, there are some resources for NPs who provide care for this vulnerable population. Screening for preventable conditions, such as obesity, sexually transmitted infections and sexual exploitation, can improve the quality of life for adult women with DS.

Biography :

Email: fetoler@suddenlink.net