Evaluation and implementation of a digital health promoting intervention for young people with intellectual disability – enabling access to evidence-based preventive work within social services

Research problem and specific questionsYoung people with intellectual disability (ID) faces significant health disparities, and die approximately 20-years earlier than non-ID peers primarily due to noncommunicable diseases, largely influenced by lifestyle behaviors. Despite their unique needs, health promotion interventions for this group are critically lacking.

This project aims to evaluate a digital intervention to improve physical health and psychosocial well-being in young people with ID, while also optimizing its integration into routine social services.Data and methodCo-design will be applied.

The research will be conducted in close collaboration with young people with ID, social and health care professionals, significant others and designers of digital interventions. Five studies will be conducted over four years. Study 1-2 focuses on the development of the intervention. Study 3 is a pilot to study its feasibility, usability and acceptability.

Study 4 is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness.

Study 5 will identify facilitators and barriers to implementing the intervention in social care services.Social relevance and utilizationPeople with ID are consistently underprioritized in health promotion initiatives.

This project will deliver a tailored and accessible digital intervention aimed at empowering this often marginalized group to adopt healthy behaviors.

Expected outcomes include improved health and well-being for young people with ID, as well as advance evidence-based practices in social services.

By encouraging healthy behaviors at an early stage, the intervention has the potential not only to support health improvements in younger ages, but also contribute to the prevention of adverse health outcomes later in life, bringing social benefits and long-term gains for society.Plan for project realizationThis project will be executed by an interdisciplinary research team with expertise in ID, health promotion, digital interventions and implementation.

By close collaboration between research and practice, we expect to enhance the intervention’s relevance and effectiveness, ensuring it meets specific needs.

We believe that the co-deesign also will optimize participation in the trial and the potential uptake and reach of the intervention, contributing to its successful implementation in social care services. The intervention will be freely available to organizations, promoting long-term utilization and sustainability.