Attitudes of Different Age Groups Toward People With Intellectual Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly risky for people with disabilities and severe medical conditions, not only because the virus may be a direct threat to their physical health but also because of social exclusion and negating their needs and rights. Objective: This study aimed to assess the attitudes of people from different age groups towards people with intellectual disability (ID). Methods: The study included 223 people (19-85 years old) and was conducted in May 2020-January 2021. Data was collected using the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Towards Persons With Disabilities and a self-designed Questionnaire regarding the attitudes towards people with ID during the pandemic. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24 (ANOVA). Results: The results of the study showed that the general attitudes were only slightly supportive and differed among people of different age groups: the youngest and the oldest generation expressed the most positive attitudes while the adults (35-60 y.o.) expressed the most negative ones. Conclusions: As the pandemic is spreading rapidly with no definitive solution, awareness to create more positive attitudes towards people with ID and recognizing their needs is essential.