The LGBTIreland Report: national study of the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexu... more The LGBTIreland Report: national study of the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in Ireland GLEN GLEN is a national policy and strategy focused NGO which aims to deliver ambitious and positive change for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Ireland, ensuring full equality, inclusion and protection from all forms of discrimination and harm. We have a range of work programmes including mental health, education, workplace, sexual health, families and older people.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many pe... more Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time. Aim: To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences. Met...
BackgroundDepression and anxiety are amongst the most prevalent mental health disorders in the ol... more BackgroundDepression and anxiety are amongst the most prevalent mental health disorders in the older population with intellectual disability (ID). There is a paucity of research that pertains to associative biopsychosocial factors for depression and anxiety in this population. The aim of this study is to determine the biopsychosocial factors associated with depression and anxiety in a population of older adults with ID in Ireland.MethodsThe study was part of ‘The Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing’. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with a Learning Disability. The cross‐sectional associations of depression and anxiety with biopsychosocial parameters were measured using a variety of self‐report and proxy‐completed questionnaires.ResultsFor the study population, 9.97% met the criteria for depressio...
Background The physical and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults have... more Background The physical and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults have been well-documented. However, a large proportion of older adults worldwide fail to meet the internationally recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity PA per week. Factors associated with engagement in PA among older adults are complex, interacting and wide-reaching, involving individual, social, physical and environmental factors. Thus, to develop preventive lifestyle interventions it is necessary to carefully explore these factors. Methods This qualitative study (as part of a larger funded study to develop a PA-intervention) sought to identify and explore facilitators and barriers to PA in community dwelling older adults (≥65). Focus groups were conducted in Ireland (one) and France (two) and findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The main facilitators that emerged from focus group participants (n=33) were: availability of resources; tailored classes...
Huge progress has been made in recognising and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ... more Huge progress has been made in recognising and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland. In the space of twenty years we have seen the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the introduction of a sophisticated equality infrastructure, with the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000 having been at the forefront internationally in naming sexual orientation as a specific equality ground and in extending its scope outside the field of employment. More recently, in 2010 comprehensive Civil Partnership legislation was introduced and the Government is determined to bring forward legislation later this year to provide for the recognition of the acquired gender of transgender people, on the basis of the recommendations of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group published in June. This report is the first comprehensive study of the lives of older LGBT people in Ireland. It offers unique insights into the lives of those people who have lived through and been most personally affected by these changes in Irish society. It shows the negative consequences for LGBT people of living through a period where a fundamental aspect of their identity - to be themselves and to live openly and securely with the person they love - was stigmatised, criminalised or even viewed as an illness
International journal of older people nursing, Jan 22, 2014
The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT... more The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons have not been explored to any degree within Ireland. The aim of this paper, which is part of a larger study, is to detail older LGBT persons' usage, experiences and concerns with accessing healthcare services, disclosing their LGBT identity to professionals, preferences for care and their suggestions for improvement in services, including nursing services. A mixed methods research design combining quantitative survey and qualitative interview approaches of equal significance was used. 144 respondents completed an 84-item questionnaire concerning their use of healthcare services, experiences and needs. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews where 36 participants' experiences and concerns around health services were explored more in-depth. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis employed the constant comparative proce...
Accessible summary This article is about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Peo... more Accessible summary This article is about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities in Ireland made quilt squares with pictures on them. The pictures were about their rights. People want to be able to choose and to do the same things as everyone else.
Background:People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse out... more Background:People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).They also face challenges to mental health and well-being from COVID-19-related social restrictions and service closures.Methods:Data from a supplemental COVID-19 survey from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) (n=710) was used to assess outcomes from the first infection wave of COVID-19 among adults with intellectual disability aged 40+ years in Ireland. Data was gathered on testing, for symptoms and outcomes; procedures to manage COVID-19; and both stress/anxiety and positive experiences during the pandemic. Demographic and health-related data from the main IDS-TILDA dataset was included in analyses.Results:High rates were identified of health conditions associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including overweight/obesity (66.6%, n=365), high cholesterol (38.6%, n=274) and cardiova...
This article explores the role of Christian scripture as a basis for understanding the experience... more This article explores the role of Christian scripture as a basis for understanding the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. Historically, Irish services for people with intellectual disabilities were provided by Roman Catholic religious orders and congregations and it is posited that scriptural perspectives provided a context for, not just the service response but also, the societal response in a largely Christian State. By examining the Old and New Testaments and, in particular, the suffering, death and wounding of Jesus, it is proposed that there was, from the origins of Christianity, a fundamental misunderstanding of Christian community and that this facilitated the development of a faith-based approach, akin to eugenics, which was unwittingly grounded in injustice and dehumanisation. This is discussed within the context of the Spiritan mission related to the work of justice.
Sexuality is an integral part of personhood, permeating all aspects of being. Nonetheless, agreem... more Sexuality is an integral part of personhood, permeating all aspects of being. Nonetheless, agreement is lacking as to what sexuality actually is. The objective of this paper is to examine the usage and understanding of the term ?sexuality?, and to extrapolate from these a working definition of the concept in its expressed condition. This is achieved by identifying the defining characteristics of the concept and considering their existence in a particular context. It is proposed that this resultant definition of expressed sexuality represents a move away from the limiting nature of previous understandings towards encompassing many forms of expressed sexualit
Journal of intellectual disabilities : JOID, Jan 27, 2015
One of the central principles underpinning Irish intellectual disability policy is that of decong... more One of the central principles underpinning Irish intellectual disability policy is that of decongregation. Allied to this is the belief that life in community settings offers greater opportunities and richer experiences than does life in institutional settings. This study explores the experiences of a group of adults with intellectual disabilities who moved from residential settings to living units in the community. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it considers the significance of that move for them and seeks to understand the extent to which their lives have changed. Whereas it emerges that this was a positive period in their lives, it is clear that a number of issues remain to be addressed and these provide useful information for similar developments in the future.
This article reports on an evaluation of four family support programmes in Ireland for families o... more This article reports on an evaluation of four family support programmes in Ireland for families of people with a physical or an intellectual disability or autism. The focus of the evaluation, which took place within a year of the programmes' completion, was on establishing whether the programmes had an impact on families' capacity to effectively support their family member. A mixed-method design was used, which included a survey (n = 38) and interviews (n = 19) with participating family members. Ethical approval for the study was given by the relevant university ethics committee. Findings suggest that participation in the programmes enhanced knowledge, attitudes, and competencies of families and also impacted their ability to advocate for their family member and to connect with the community. Whilst outcomes were overwhelmingly positive, further follow-up would be required to ascertain if sustained capacity building took place.
The LGBTIreland Report: national study of the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexu... more The LGBTIreland Report: national study of the mental health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in Ireland GLEN GLEN is a national policy and strategy focused NGO which aims to deliver ambitious and positive change for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Ireland, ensuring full equality, inclusion and protection from all forms of discrimination and harm. We have a range of work programmes including mental health, education, workplace, sexual health, families and older people.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many pe... more Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on many people, but individuals with an intellectual disability, given the prevalence of congregate living and high levels of co-morbid conditions, may be particularly vulnerable at this time. A prior initial survey of participants of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) found that, despite a majority of participants being tested, only a small proportion had tested positive for COVID-19. Furthermore, despite some reporting positive aspects to the lockdown, a similar proportion were experiencing stress or anxiety during the pandemic. The pandemic and lockdowns have continued, and it is possible that experiences and consequences have changed over time. Aim: To explore over time and in greater depth the impact of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns and to further establish rates of infection, rates of vaccination and participants’ experiences. Met...
BackgroundDepression and anxiety are amongst the most prevalent mental health disorders in the ol... more BackgroundDepression and anxiety are amongst the most prevalent mental health disorders in the older population with intellectual disability (ID). There is a paucity of research that pertains to associative biopsychosocial factors for depression and anxiety in this population. The aim of this study is to determine the biopsychosocial factors associated with depression and anxiety in a population of older adults with ID in Ireland.MethodsThe study was part of ‘The Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing’. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with a Learning Disability. The cross‐sectional associations of depression and anxiety with biopsychosocial parameters were measured using a variety of self‐report and proxy‐completed questionnaires.ResultsFor the study population, 9.97% met the criteria for depressio...
Background The physical and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults have... more Background The physical and mental health benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults have been well-documented. However, a large proportion of older adults worldwide fail to meet the internationally recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity PA per week. Factors associated with engagement in PA among older adults are complex, interacting and wide-reaching, involving individual, social, physical and environmental factors. Thus, to develop preventive lifestyle interventions it is necessary to carefully explore these factors. Methods This qualitative study (as part of a larger funded study to develop a PA-intervention) sought to identify and explore facilitators and barriers to PA in community dwelling older adults (≥65). Focus groups were conducted in Ireland (one) and France (two) and findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The main facilitators that emerged from focus group participants (n=33) were: availability of resources; tailored classes...
Huge progress has been made in recognising and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ... more Huge progress has been made in recognising and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Ireland. In the space of twenty years we have seen the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the introduction of a sophisticated equality infrastructure, with the Employment Equality Act 1998 and the Equal Status Act 2000 having been at the forefront internationally in naming sexual orientation as a specific equality ground and in extending its scope outside the field of employment. More recently, in 2010 comprehensive Civil Partnership legislation was introduced and the Government is determined to bring forward legislation later this year to provide for the recognition of the acquired gender of transgender people, on the basis of the recommendations of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group published in June. This report is the first comprehensive study of the lives of older LGBT people in Ireland. It offers unique insights into the lives of those people who have lived through and been most personally affected by these changes in Irish society. It shows the negative consequences for LGBT people of living through a period where a fundamental aspect of their identity - to be themselves and to live openly and securely with the person they love - was stigmatised, criminalised or even viewed as an illness
International journal of older people nursing, Jan 22, 2014
The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT... more The specific healthcare needs and concerns for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons have not been explored to any degree within Ireland. The aim of this paper, which is part of a larger study, is to detail older LGBT persons' usage, experiences and concerns with accessing healthcare services, disclosing their LGBT identity to professionals, preferences for care and their suggestions for improvement in services, including nursing services. A mixed methods research design combining quantitative survey and qualitative interview approaches of equal significance was used. 144 respondents completed an 84-item questionnaire concerning their use of healthcare services, experiences and needs. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews where 36 participants' experiences and concerns around health services were explored more in-depth. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative analysis employed the constant comparative proce...
Accessible summary This article is about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Peo... more Accessible summary This article is about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities in Ireland made quilt squares with pictures on them. The pictures were about their rights. People want to be able to choose and to do the same things as everyone else.
Background:People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse out... more Background:People with intellectual disability have increased risk of exposure to and adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).They also face challenges to mental health and well-being from COVID-19-related social restrictions and service closures.Methods:Data from a supplemental COVID-19 survey from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) (n=710) was used to assess outcomes from the first infection wave of COVID-19 among adults with intellectual disability aged 40+ years in Ireland. Data was gathered on testing, for symptoms and outcomes; procedures to manage COVID-19; and both stress/anxiety and positive experiences during the pandemic. Demographic and health-related data from the main IDS-TILDA dataset was included in analyses.Results:High rates were identified of health conditions associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including overweight/obesity (66.6%, n=365), high cholesterol (38.6%, n=274) and cardiova...
This article explores the role of Christian scripture as a basis for understanding the experience... more This article explores the role of Christian scripture as a basis for understanding the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. Historically, Irish services for people with intellectual disabilities were provided by Roman Catholic religious orders and congregations and it is posited that scriptural perspectives provided a context for, not just the service response but also, the societal response in a largely Christian State. By examining the Old and New Testaments and, in particular, the suffering, death and wounding of Jesus, it is proposed that there was, from the origins of Christianity, a fundamental misunderstanding of Christian community and that this facilitated the development of a faith-based approach, akin to eugenics, which was unwittingly grounded in injustice and dehumanisation. This is discussed within the context of the Spiritan mission related to the work of justice.
Sexuality is an integral part of personhood, permeating all aspects of being. Nonetheless, agreem... more Sexuality is an integral part of personhood, permeating all aspects of being. Nonetheless, agreement is lacking as to what sexuality actually is. The objective of this paper is to examine the usage and understanding of the term ?sexuality?, and to extrapolate from these a working definition of the concept in its expressed condition. This is achieved by identifying the defining characteristics of the concept and considering their existence in a particular context. It is proposed that this resultant definition of expressed sexuality represents a move away from the limiting nature of previous understandings towards encompassing many forms of expressed sexualit
Journal of intellectual disabilities : JOID, Jan 27, 2015
One of the central principles underpinning Irish intellectual disability policy is that of decong... more One of the central principles underpinning Irish intellectual disability policy is that of decongregation. Allied to this is the belief that life in community settings offers greater opportunities and richer experiences than does life in institutional settings. This study explores the experiences of a group of adults with intellectual disabilities who moved from residential settings to living units in the community. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it considers the significance of that move for them and seeks to understand the extent to which their lives have changed. Whereas it emerges that this was a positive period in their lives, it is clear that a number of issues remain to be addressed and these provide useful information for similar developments in the future.
This article reports on an evaluation of four family support programmes in Ireland for families o... more This article reports on an evaluation of four family support programmes in Ireland for families of people with a physical or an intellectual disability or autism. The focus of the evaluation, which took place within a year of the programmes' completion, was on establishing whether the programmes had an impact on families' capacity to effectively support their family member. A mixed-method design was used, which included a survey (n = 38) and interviews (n = 19) with participating family members. Ethical approval for the study was given by the relevant university ethics committee. Findings suggest that participation in the programmes enhanced knowledge, attitudes, and competencies of families and also impacted their ability to advocate for their family member and to connect with the community. Whilst outcomes were overwhelmingly positive, further follow-up would be required to ascertain if sustained capacity building took place.
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