A Qualitative Exploration of Perspectives From Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Caregivers Participating in a Lifestyle Intervention to Enhance Cooking Skills and Physical Fitness.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: A Qualitative Exploration of Perspectives From Young Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Their Caregivers Participating in a Lifestyle Intervention to Enhance Cooking Skills and Physical Fitness.
Authors: Bodde, Amy E. (AUTHOR), Danon, Jessica C. (AUTHOR), Koon, Lyndsie (AUTHOR), Sachs, Kathryn M. (AUTHOR), Banwart, Madison (AUTHOR), Forseth, Bethany (AUTHOR), Sherman, Joseph (AUTHOR), Helsel, Brian C. (AUTHOR), Ptomey, Lauren T. (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities. Jan2026, Vol. 39 Issue 1, p1-11. 11p.
Subjects: Cooking, Consensus (Social sciences), Teams in the workplace, Behavior modification, Qualitative research, Academic medical centers, Autonomy (Psychology), Research funding, Interviewing, Children's hospitals, Confidence, Thematic analysis, Transportation, Health behavior, Physical fitness, Research methodology, Ability, Social networks, Medical appointments, Social support, Nutrition education, Caregiver attitudes, Training
Geographic Terms: United States
Abstract: Background: Young adults with intellectual disabilities experience significant cardiometabolic health disparities which may inhibit progress towards independence, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. This study examined how individuals with intellectual disabilities and caregivers perceived the relevance and acceptability of a cooking and fitness skills intervention. Methods: Fourteen semi‐structured post‐intervention interviews with individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers queried preferences, challenges, benefits and impacts of a cooking skills and functional fitness intervention called CHEF‐ID. Results were analysed thematically. Results: Four themes were identified: (1) autonomy and competence in everyday life; (2) enriching experiences and relationships; (3) suggestions for programme enhancement; and (4) meeting a community need. Conclusions: Interviewees valued enhanced autonomy and competence for physical activity and cooking skills and made meaningful social connections, although participants differed in their preference for individual versus group work. Transportation was a frequently cited challenge. Future interventions should consider these factors to optimise programme design. Lay Summary: Young adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers shared their perspectives of participating in a 12‐week programme that taught cooking skills and functional exercises.Participants reported gaining confidence and independence in cooking and physical activities at home, with caregivers noting these skills helped young adults become more self‐sufficient in daily life.While many participants valued the social connections and friendships formed during the programme, some preferred working alone, suggesting that future programmes should offer flexible options to meet different learning preferences.Caregivers emphasised that the programme met a community need, though transportation to programme sessions was a common challenge that needs to be addressed in future programme planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Be the first to leave a comment!
You must be logged in first