2 - An understanding of reasons for the increasing number of people with physical disabilities and illnesses in Northern Ireland

CCEA GCE A2 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE UNIT 3

What is a physical disability?

A limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina

What is an Illness?

A condition that affects the body or mind causing discomfort, dysfunction, or distress. Can be caused by various factors, including infections, chronic disease, genetic conditions or environmental influences. Can range from mild, tempory issues to severe, long term conditions.

Advancements in medical research and improvements in ante-natal care that has led to a decline in mortality rates -

this medical development has led to the improved survival rates of babies born with severe disabilities and pre-term babjes due to investment in research and specialist equipment. This means babies born with Congenital Heart defects thanks to early diagnosis through prenatal imaging have allowed successful treatment through surgical treatment.

Improved medical care and improved nutrition has lead to increased life expectancy of clients with PD and I.

Increased life expectancy with disabilities such as Down’s syndrome is at least partly due to better medical care e.g. treatment for heart problems associated with DS

Early and improved diagnosis leads to more people classified as having an illness or disability.

Advances in medical technology and increased awareness have led to more routine screenings for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), especially in high risk populations such as those with diabetes thus increasing overall prevalence of disease.

Improvements in medication

available for a range of conditions has led to increased life expectancy, discovery of new drugs people live longer.

Chronic Disease management:

• Heart disease: medications like statins and antihypertensives greatly improved management of heart disease, reducing mortality rates

• Diabetes: advances in insulin therapy helped manage disease more effectively preventing complications e.g. ozempic

Infectious Disease:

• Antibiotics and Antivirals: drastically reduced deaths from infectious diseases like HIV

increased life expectancy amogmst the general population

Increasing ageing population - statisticians estimated that NI’s aging population will be comprised of more pensioners than children in 10 yrs. People as they age are more likely to have physical disabilities or illnesses such as osteoporosis and dementia

Women are delaying childbirth until later in life

leads to greater risk of Down’s Syndrome age 35 and Older e.g. 35 yr old 1 in 350, 40 yr old increases to 1 in 100, 40+ 1 in 30.

Increased survival rates at birth linked to improvements in ante-natal care

Problems can be picked up while baby in utero so preventive action can be taken, e.g. baby delivered via c-section avoiding trauma of natural delivery which a baby with a disability might not have survived.

Positive lifestyle choices

means people tend to live longer with their disability or illness as a result of balanced diet rich in fruits, veg, whole grains etc to help manage symptoms and improve overall health. e.g. Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart health

Improvements in vaccination programmes

e.g. flu vaccine prevents death of many vulnerable sick people thus increasing numbers of long term sick and disabled. For individuals with chronic conditions e.g. asthma, diabetes or heart disease, flu vaccine can prevent worsening of these conditions and potential death to flu-related complications.

Increasing number of people living in poverty

Linked to illnesses such as asthma, low income neighbourhoods often have substandard living conditions with issues like mould, pests, and leaks, which can trigger worsening asthma symptoms,

Improved access to specialist care and services

children are gettinf specialist care and expert support needed and so are living longer as a result. e.g. children with Down’s syndrome often have issues associated with bowels and heart, paediatric specialist who can give specialist care, thus live longer.

Increase in risk taking behaviours

E.g. drug taking, alcohol abuse, dangerous driving has contributed to illnesses and accidents excessive alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease

A change in attitude/recognition of rights has lead to improved care - introduction of legislation has led to improved care of disabled people

1. Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 - protects rights of disabled people, illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their disabilities in areas such as employment, education and access to goods and services. helped ensure receive fair treatment and have access to necessary services

2. Special Educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005 - requires schools, colleges and universities to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate students with disabilities ensuring equal opportunities

3. Promoting Social Inclusion (PSI) Working Group on Disability - identified barriers faced by disabled people and made recommendations to remove these barriers. work led to increased employment, eduction, transport, housing and healthcare for disabled individuals

4. Public Awareness and Attitudes - increased awareness and understanding has led to greater acceptance and inclusion in society.

5. Improved healthcare services - now greater focus on providing person-centred care, early diagnosis and intervention, as well as ongoing support to help individuals manage their conditions and live independently