Age and gender-related differences in quality of life of Bangladeshi patients with Down Syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Currently available screening instruments for evaluation of individuals with intellectual disabilities do not capture all the complications associated with Down Syndrome (DS). Here, we examined age and gender-specific variability revolving around major challenges related to ophthalmologic and auditory health, social integration, daily life, and behavioral problems in 468 (age: 2-84 years) individuals with DS living in all eight divisions of Bangladesh. More than half of the children presented with significant difficulty in walking or other targeted movements compared with 37.9% of adolescents (p ¼ 0.03). Nearly 70% of children exhibited communication difficulties, particularly revolving around the understanding of speech, comprehending or learning tasks or new materials, and in expressing thoughts in words or behaviors (p ¼ 0.003-0.006). Uncontrolled urination was frequent and predominantly found among children (p ¼ 0.04). No significant differences were present in females vs. males except for concern about physical appearance (females: 58.5% vs. males: 47.5%; p ¼ 0.02). The severity of DS was associated with intellectual performance, communication difficulties, and self-sufficiency (i.e., uncontrolled micturition or bowel movements) but not with psychotic, ophthalmologic, auditory, or motor skillsrelated problems. Increased awareness of DS phenotypic profiles among professionals and caregivers can foster earlier detection and counselling and help formulate appropriate interventions to reduce long-term sequelae and enhance cognitive and behavioral developmental outcomes.

Gender Differences, Motor Skills and Physical Fitness Heterogeneity in Adults with Down’s Syndrome

“…In this work, we showed a clear gender effect regarding physical fitness in adults with DS. Only a few studies to date have reported comprehensive motor and cardiorespiratory capacities assessments and their relation with gender or PA levels in adults with DS [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”

“…This may be due either because the study involved only men or because the number of women included in these studies was too small to conclude. In 2022, Islam et al [ 34 ], in a descriptive cohort study including 468 participants with DS (2–84 years; 56% men) and using an interview with a structured questionnaire and clinical examination, reported gender-related differences but the authors did not specify the nature of the motor capacity that differed between men and women. This result is consistent with Winter et al [ 39 ], who showed in children with DS no statistically significant difference between males and females on all 44 gross motor skills assessments.…”

Motor Skills and Executive Functions in Pediatric Patients with Down Syndrome: A Challenge for Tailoring Physical Activity Interventions

“…Traditionally, males showed a prevalence in gross motor performance and females a prevalence in fine motor performance [25]. However, the severity of DS is associated with intellectual performance, communication difficulties, and self-sufficiency [86]. In fact, most of the subjects with DS have learning-related problems, depending on age and gender, that are significantly associated with the severity of DS.…”

“…In relation to this, the study of Barr et al highlighted the role of families in determining to what extent PA in children with DS and the effect that common characteristics associated with DS could have on maintaining an active lifestyle. Furthermore, children's compliance is prominent for successful interventions, and is linked to school readiness and later social and behavioral competence [86].…”