Epidemiology of disability in a rural community of Karnataka.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and pattern of disability in all age groups in a rural community of Karnataka.


METHODS
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted during January-December 2004 among 1000 study subjects of all age groups selected randomly from four villages under rural field practice area of a teaching institution. Subjects were interviewed and examined using a predesigned schedule. Percentage prevalence, chi square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The prevalence of disability was found to be 6.3%. Both physical and mental disabilities are of great concern in this area. 80% of the disabled had multiple disabilities. Knowledge and occupation plays a major role as determinants of disability. Chronic medical conditions are also more common among disabled.
Ganesh
K S
KS
Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka. sssgan@yahoo.com
Das
A
A
Shashi
J S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult