Short Report: The influence of congregate setting on positive COVID-19 tests among a high-risk sample of adults with intellectual and developmental disability in Ontario

BACKGROUND: For a number of reasons, persons with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. AIMS: This study explored the influence of congregate setting on testing positive for COVID-19 among adults with IDD in Ontario. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 833 home care recipients with IDD were included, 204 were tested at least once for COVID-19. These data were linked to the homecare assessment data. The association between living in a congregate setting and receiving a positive COVID-19 test was explored using a logistic regression model among the total sample and those tested for COVID-19. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 77 individuals tested positive for COVID-19 (9.24 %). Congregate setting, age, aggression, and mobility were significantly associated with receiving a positive COVID-19 test in the total sample. Among the subgroup, congregate setting and age were significant. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Adults with IDD have an increased risk for positive COVID-19 tests at younger ages than other high-risk populations, such as elderly persons. These findings confirm the vulnerability of adults with IDD living in group settings to COVID-19. As such, they should be prioritized when COVID-19 prevention and public health strategies, including vaccination and boosters, are introduced.