title: Prevalence and pattern of mental disability using Indian disability evaluation assessment scale in a rural community of Karnataka.
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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: S Ganesh
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Acharaya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Bhandary
authors.forename: Shashi Joyce
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Soans
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Harsha Kumar
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kotian