The association between employment and the health of people with intellectual disabilities : a systematic review

Robertson, Janet and Beyer, Steve and Emerson, Eric and Baines, Susannah and Hatton, Chris (2019) The association between employment and the health of people with intellectual disabilities : a systematic review. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32 (6). pp. 1335-1348. ISSN 1360-2322

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Abstract

Background:  There is strong evidence indicating that paid employment is generally good for the physical and mental health of the general population. This systematic review considers the association between employment and the health of people with intellectual disabilities.  Methods:  Studies published from 1990 to 2018 were identified via electronic literature databases, email requests and cross-citations. Identified studies were reviewed narratively.  Results: Twelve studies were identified. Studies were generally consistent in reporting an association between being in paid employment and better physical or mental health status.  Conclusions: This review supports the view that the well-established association between employment and better health is similar for adults with and without intellectual disabilities. However, evidence establishing causality is lacking and further research to determine specific health benefits attributable to employment for people with intellectual disabilities and the causal pathways that operate is required.