Risk factors of learning disabilities in Chinese children in Wuhan.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate prevalence rate of learning disabilities (LD) in Chinese children, and to explore related risk factors, and to provide theoretical basis for preventing such disabilities.


METHODS
One thousand and one hundred fifty one children were randomly selected in primary schools. According to criteria set by ICD-10, 118 children diagnosed as LD were classified into the study group. Four hundred and ninety one children were classified into the normal control group. Five hundred and forty two children were classified into the excellent control group. The study instruments included PRS (The pupil rating scale revised screening for learning disabilities), Conners' children behavior check-list taken by parents and YG-WR character check-list.


RESULTS
The prevalence rate of LD in Chinese children was 10.3%. Significant differences were observed between LD and normally learning children, and between the LD group and the excellent group, in terms of scores of Conners' behavior check-list (P < 0.05). The study further showed that individual differences in character between the LD group and the control groups still existed even after controlling individual differences in age, IQ, and gender. Some possible causal explanations contributing to LD were improper teaching by parents, low educational level of the parents, and children's characteristics and social relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
These data underscore the fact that LD is a serious national public health problem in China. LD is resulted from a number of factors. Good studying and living environments should be created for LD children.
Yao
Bin
B
Department of Children and Adolescent Health, Maternity and Child Health Care, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China. tjyaobin@sina.com
Wu
Han-Rong
HR
D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors