Applying the health of the nation outcomes scales for people with learning disabilities to assess health and social outcomes in adults with intellectual disabilities in Qatar

Objectives Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) require structured assessment and follow-up care. As Qatar’s community learning disability services develop, standardized outcome measures are essential. The Health of the Nation Outcomes Scales for people with Learning Disabilities (HoNOS-LD) is a global instrument utilized to comprehensively assess the health and social outcomes of this population. This study aims to determine the clinical profiles of adults with ID in Qatar using the HoNOS-LD tool, identifying key factors contributing to the healthcare demands of this vulnerable group.Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 133 patients (ages 18 to 65) receiving community outreach services from the Community Learning Disability Team at Hamad Medical Corporation, Mental Health Services, Doha, Qatar. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic records. Researchers applied descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and linear regression to analyze the HoNOS-LD scores.Results The mean total HoNOS-LD score was 20 (SD = 9). Higher scores correlated significantly with increased ID severity (p < 0.001). Other variables, including gender, nationality, autism diagnosis, and challenging behavior, lacked statistical significance. Regression analysis confirmed that ID severity was the sole demographic predictor of total HoNOS scores (B = 3.876, p < 0.001). Furthermore, item-level analysis revealed that the greatest clinical challenges involved occupational engagement, daily living skills, and interpersonal social relationships.Conclusions This study provides a structured assessment of the complex health and behavioral needs of adults with ID in Qatar using the HoNOS-LD framework. ID severity emerged as the primary determinant of overall patient outcome scores, offering important insights to inform future patient care planning.