Health Disparities and Mental Retardation

PURPOSE: To identify health care needs and the availability and accessibility of health care services for people with mental retardation (MR). METHODS: Review of the literature on health disparities and mental retardation was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycInfo from 1992 to 2002. FINDINGS: Deficiencies in care identified in the literature included general health screening and care for physical symptoms, mental health, women's care, dental services, health maintenance, and prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in health care place people with MR at high risk for morbidity and premature mortality.