title: National sample survey organization survey report: An estimation of prevalence of mental illness and its association with age in India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Indian population suffers with significant burden of mental illness. The prevalence rate and its association with age and other demographic indicators are needed for planning purpose.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study attempted to calculate age-wise prevalence of mental illness for rural and urban settings, and its association with age.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data published in National Sample Survey Organization (2002) report on disability is used for the analysis. Spearman correlation for strength of association, z-test for difference in prevalence, and regression statistics for predicting the prevalence rate of mental illness are used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall population have 14.9/1000 prevalence of mental illness. It is higher in rural setting 17.1/1000 than urban 12.7/1000 (P < 0.001). There is a strong correlation found with age in rural (ϱ = 0.910, P = 0.001) and urban (ϱ = 0.940, P = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this study confirm other epidemiological research in India. Large-population epidemiological studies are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, College of Public Service, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lakhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Olúgbémiga T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Ekúndayò
keywords: Age; India; mental illness; national sample survey organization report; prevalence; rural; urban