Article

Children born in low- and mid-income countries are at a high risk of
developing disabilities, yet estimates of population-based prevalence are sparse.
Our aim was to determine the prevalence of early childhood (0-5 year) disability
in Sind, a rural area of Pakistan. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional
household survey in a population of 25,196 households. The Ten Questions screen
and the Signs of Disability in Newborn and Infants screen were used. RESULTS: The
disability prevalence in a population of 176,364 individuals was 5.5 out of 1000
in children under 2 years and 5.4 out of 1000 in children aged 2-5 years.
Fifty-six per cent were males, and 56% had the disability recognized from birth
or soon after. The mortality rate of children aged 0-5 years in the area was
estimated as 30 out of 1000 live births. Cerebral palsy was the most common
disability identified. The Ten Questions screen had better interrater agreement
than the Signs of Disability in Newborn and Infants screen. INTERPRETATION: This
is the largest reported household screening survey for early childhood disability
at a population level from rural Pakistan. The comparatively low prevalence may
be due to the younger age studied and high early childhood mortality. Our data
highlight the importance of prospective surveillance at a population level and
the need for preventive and support services.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2013 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS