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Background: In the general population, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has been identified as a ‘high-risk’ period for weight gain. There has been no research examining health behaviours over this transition in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods/design: The feasibility of recruitment, retention and relevant health behaviours were measured in 31 adolescents with mild-moderate ID. Anthropometric, objective physical activity, dietary and self-determination measures were collected over a 12-month transitional period from school to adulthood. Results: Key results suggest weight and BMI increased significantly from month 6 to month 12 (p=0.044 and p=0.043). Waist circumference increased significantly from baseline to month 12 (p=0.049), and from month 6 to month 12 (p=0.03). Discussion: Recruiting and retaining young adults with ID over a 12 month health behaviour study is feasible. The data indicates the transition from school to adulthood may be the start of a high- risk period for weight gain.

This study was funded by Yorkhill Children's Charity. Background : Evidence suggests youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than the general population. The ActivPals intervention aimed to support youth with T1D to lead an active lifestyle. Methods : Twenty youth aged 7 to 16 years with T1D were recruited to a pilot randomized controlled trial. PA and quality of life (QoL) were measured using Actigraph GT3X+ monitor and Pediatric QoL scales at baseline and 1-month follow-up. A two-way, mixed ANOVA showed indicative effects of the intervention. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 16 participants to explore perceptions of the intervention. Results: An increase in moderate to vigorous PA was reported in intervention and control groups from baseline to follow-up (F(1, 14) = 5.83; P = .03), with no significance between group differences. Participants in both groups reported significantly less overall diabetes “problems” (F(1, 16) = 7.93; P = .012) and significantly less lifestyle “problems” (F(1, 16) = 7.39; P = .015) at follow-up. However, both groups also reported significant increases in “problems” with the day-to-day diabetes routine (F(1,16) = 6.48; P = .022) at follow-up. Parents reported significant increased worry about their child's diabetes at follow-up, in both groups (F(1, 14) = 5.83; P = .046). There was no significant increase in reported hypoglycemic occurrences despite increased PA. The qualitative data highlight that goal setting, self-monitoring, and social support were effective motivators for increasing PA. Conclusions: A larger trial with longer follow-up should be conducted to explore the effect of the intervention on PA in youth with T1D. Postprint

Across the UK and USA, postpartum smoking relapse rates are high for women who quit smoking during pregnancy: up to 75% at 12 months1-3. Simultaneously, rates of exclusive breastfeeding and physical activity are low. These three cancer preventative behaviours have complex interactions, for example, smoking relapse often corresponds with discontinuing breastfeeding4-6, and breastfeeding can be seen as a barrier to physical activity7.

Background: \ud \ud The prevalence of obesity is higher in those with intellectual disabilities than the general population. The aim of the study was to understand the determinants of physical activity and dietary patterns in this population during their final year of school.\ud Method: \ud \ud Qualitative data were generated from 10 interviews with adolescents with mild–moderate intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, employing Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework.\ud Results: \ud \ud Adolescents’ environment and social interactions play a pivotal role in influencing physical activity and dietary patterns. Three themes emerged from the analysis: situatedness, motivation and wider environmental influences.\ud Conclusions: \ud \ud School structure, high self-efficacy and social connectedness facilitate increased physical activity and healthier diet in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Home life, low self-efficacy and a lack of social connectedness can serve as a barrier to PA and a healthy diet.