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. 2008 Jan;50(1):21-3.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.39754.

Prevalence and pattern of mental disability using Indian disability evaluation assessment scale in a rural community of Karnataka

S Ganesh Kumar  1 , Acharaya Das, P V Bhandary, Shashi Joyce Soans, H N Harsha Kumar, M S Kotian
Affiliations

Prevalence and pattern of mental disability using Indian disability evaluation assessment scale in a rural community of Karnataka

S Ganesh Kumar et al. Indian J Psychiatry. 2008 Jan.

Abstract

Background: In the present era, mental disability is a major public health problem in the society. Many of the mental disabilities are correctable if detected early.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and pattern of mental disability.

Setting and design: Community-based cross-sectional study. One thousand subjects in all age groups were randomly selected from four villages in Udupi district, Karnataka.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted by making house-to-house visits, interviewing, and examining all the individuals in the families selected with pre-designed and pretested questionnaire.

Statistical analysis: Proportions, chi-square test.

Results and conclusion: The prevalence of mental disability was found to be 2.3%. The prevalence was higher among females (3.1%) than among males (1.5%). The prevalence was higher among the elderly age group and illiterates. There is ample scope for community-based rehabilitation of the mentally disabled.

Keywords: Mental disability; prevalence and pattern; rural community.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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