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Home / Our research / Determinants of health and inequalities research / COVID-19

COVID-19

COVID-19 and people with learning disabilities

 

Evidence from the UK from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that people with learning disabilities had higher rates of Covid-19 mortality than people without learning disabilities.  However, estimates of the magnitude of risk varied widely, and only the early stages of the pandemic were analysed. Analyses of risk factors have also been limited. The Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory carried out research that aimed to cover the whole period of the pandemic, not just the early stages, and to examine risk factors in more depth than previously investigated.  Read about our findings here.

 

COVID-19


There is currently a major gap in the data available in Scotland on rates of infection, case fatality and excess mortality rates due to COVID-19 for people with learning disabilities. This information is urgently required to inform clinical decision-making and public health policy in Scotland and the UK.

To address this gap, we have conducted a study looking at infection risk and severe outcomes for people with learning disabilities during the first wave of the pandemic. Here you will find more information about the findings from this study.

 

The impact of COVID-19 on family carers of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities


The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the wellbeing of caregivers, due to heightened anxieties and increased practical difficulties due to diminished support. Research is needed to understand this impact and develop future support for carers who were already experiencing daily challenges as they care for an individual with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
This study will explore the experiences of family carers of people with PMLD during the pandemic and co-design an intervention to support their future wellbeing.

COVID-19 in autistic people


Research on COVID-19 outcomes and risk factors has mainly focused on the general population leading to specific health conditions, such as obesity and mood disorders, being associated with higher risk of severe COVID, as well as the use of multiple medications. Medication use and some of the conditions identified are known to be common in autistic people, but few studies have investigated their role in COVID-19 outcomes for autistic people. This study looks at COVID-19 outcomes in autistic people and explores clinical risk factors, such as long-term conditions and medication use.  Read more about this research here.

Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities study: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with learning disabilities and factors associated with better outcomes (Waves 1-3)


This survey examined how people with learning disabilities coped with the unfolding events during the COVID pandemic, from December 2020 to summer 2021. Participants were recruited from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, researchers at the University of Glasgow worked alongside SCLD (Scottish Commission for Learning Disabilities) and PAMIS (Promoting a More Inclusive Society). The survey questions were informed by people with learning disabilities and family carers, who were part of the research team.
Read about this project here.

Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities study: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with learning disabilities (Wave4)


This project is a follow up to the Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities study that tracked the experiences of approximately 800 adults with learning disabilities through the COVID-19 pandemic.

We went back to the people, family carers and support workers across the UK who took part in the original project. We kept some of the central questions the same (for example, health and wellbeing; access to health and social care services) to find out people's experiences over time and added new ones in consultation with people with learning disabilities, family carers and policy makers.  Read more about this project here.

Pathways to impact case study: The impact of COVID-19 on people with learning disabilities

 

Read our case study about how SLDO research on the impact of COVID-19 on people with learning disabilities influenced policy decision-making in Scotland.