People with learning disabilities are at higher risk of mental health problems, yet services available to support them, whether in the community, in social care, or in hospitals, have often failed to meet their needs. This project aims to develop a better understanding of the factors influencing the mental health of people with learning disabilities to help address this gap.
This project is split into 3 studies that will be conducted in collaboration with the CBF:
- A review of existing research that identified factors influencing mental health in people with learning disabilities.
- A statistical analysis assessing the factors influencing mental health positively or negatively over time in people with learning disabilities who participated in the Understanding Society household survey (focusing on people living within community settings).
- A second statistical analysis assessing the factors that increase or reduce mental health problems over time in people with learning disabilities who have been an inpatient within NHS psychiatric services.
Birmingham University is partnering with the CBF who will help to inform the study design and interpret the findings. Families of people with learning disabilities will share their views and experiences in response to the findings to help researchers decide on factors to focus on for studies 2 and 3. The statistical analyses will be designed with input from the CBF and family carers to ensure that the most important factors from a lived experience perspective are incorporated, which has often been overlooked in previous research
Aim of the project
The aim of this project is to be able to inform policy, support the design and delivery of services, and assist the CBF with advocating for policy changes, ultimately contributing to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and their families.
Project Timeline
Year 1:
- Designing and registering the Scoping Review plan
- Conduct the literature search
- Screening the collected studies
- Analysis and writing up the results
- Complete ethical review for study 2
Year 2:
- Designing and registering our study plan for study 2
- Accessing the Understanding Society dataset
- Preparing the data for analysis
- Conducting statistical analysis using the Understanding Society dataset
- Writing-up the results
- Complete ethical review for study 3
Year 3:
- Designing and registering the study plan for study 3
- Accessing the NHS Mental Health Services Dataset
- Preparing the data for analysis
- Conducting statistical analysis over the NHS Mental Health Services Dataset
- Writing-up the results
Year 4
- Compare results from study 2 and 3 and write this up linking with scoping review
- Thesis submission
- PhD examination preparation
- PhD examination
- Thesis corrections