An exploration of lifestyle/obesity programmes for adults with intellectual disabilities through a realist lens: Impact of a 'context, mechanism and outcome' evaluation. Issue 2 (20th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taggart, Laurence; Doherty, Alison Jayne; Chauhan, Umesh; Hassiotis, Angela
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities. Volume 34:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 578
• Page End: 593
• Publication Date: 2020-12-20
• Subjects: intellectual disability -- lifestyle/obesity programmes -- logic modelling -- realist lens; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; 616.85880072
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12826
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-2322

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Obesity is higher in people with intellectual disabilities. Aims: There are two aims of this explorative paper. Firstly, using a realist lens, to go beyond 'what works' and examine the 'context, mechanisms and outcomes' (CMO) of lifestyle/obesity programmes for this population. Second, using a logic model framework to inform how these programmes could be implemented within practice. Method: We explored six‐review papers and the individual lifestyle/obesity programmes that these papers reviewed using the CMO framework. Results: There were few theoretically underpinned, multi‐component programmes that were effective in the short to long‐term and many failed to explore the 'context and mechanisms'. We developed a logic model and engaged in two co‐production workshops to refine this model. Discussion: Using a realist approach, programmes need to be underpinned by both individual and systems change theories, be multi‐component, have a closer understanding of the interplay of the 'context and mechanisms', and co‐designed using a logic model framework.