Intellectual Disability Among Disabled Children: Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Rural Area of Jammu, India

Abstract

Background: Disabled Children suffer Intellectual Disability/ies (ID) to a varying extent. Role of environmental and non-genetic factors in Intellectual Disability remains largely unexplored in developing nations. The study aimed to determine Intellectual Disability among disabled rural children and its association of various demographic variables. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in a randomly selected rural health zone. 52 children of ages 1 18 years with various disabilities were assessed for IQ by a clinical psychologist using Developmental Screening Test, Sequin Form Board test, CM Bhatia test and Vineland Social Maturity Scale. Chi-square test was used to find associations, if any. Results: 16 children out of 52 were suffering from Intellectual Disability thus resulting in a prevalence of 30.7%. Male: Female ratio for Intellectual Disability was 1.3:1. Among the demographic variables, sex of the child and maternal age at child birth were significantly associated with Intellectual Disability (p<0.05). Conclusions: High prevalence of Intellectual Disability among disabled children is a cause of concern. Healthcare team needs to raise awareness among females of reproductive age about various risk factors and screen children with disabilities for Intelligence Quotient (IQ) for early interventions.

Keywords

• Intellectual Disability
• Prevalence
• Rural area
• India
• Intelligence Quotient