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


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence and pattern of mental disability.


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


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.


METHODS
Proportions, chi-square test.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Kumar
S Ganesh
SG
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Das
Acharaya
A
Bhandary
P V
PV
Soans
Shashi Joyce
SJ
Harsha Kumar
H N
HN
Kotian
M S
MS