The prevalence of mental retardation by gender, age of diagnosis and location in Zonguldak province, Turkey

Ayoglu, F.N., Cabuk, F., Kiran, S. , Ocakci, A., Sahin, Z. and Dursun, A. (2008) The prevalence of mental retardation by gender, age of diagnosis and location in Zonguldak province, Turkey. Neurosciences, 13(1), pp. 57-60. (PMID:21063288)

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Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of mental retardation by gender, age of diagnosis, and location in Zonguldak, Turkey. Methods: The data of 1909 mentally retarded children recorded between 1995 and 2003 was obtained from the Learning Disability Guidance and Research Centre. Age, gender, IQ scores, the age of diagnosis, and living areas of cases were evaluated. Results: The distribution of mental retardation was as follows; 304 cases (15.9%) were profound and severe, 1060 (55.6%) were moderate and mild, and 545 (28.5%) were borderline. The prevalence of mental retardation was 12.1% (male: 15.1%, female: 9.1%). Of the cases, 1327 (69.5%) lived in urban areas. Conclusion: Most individuals with severe mental retardation become enrolled in the service system during early childhood, but children with mild mental retardation, especially those with no other neurological impairments, may never enter the system or may not do so until puberty. Most of our cases were diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 10. This proves the importance of school guidance of learning disability and their collaboration with The Learning Disability Guidance and Research Center.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kiran, Professor Sibel
Authors: Ayoglu, F.N., Cabuk, F., Kiran, S., Ocakci, A., Sahin, Z., and Dursun, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Neurosciences
Publisher:Armed Forces Hospital
ISSN:1319-6138
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