Intellectual Disability In Rural Black Children In The Bushbuckridge District Of South Africa

Abstract

The aim of this project was to investigate the prevalence and aetiology of intellectual disability in rural black children in the Bushbuckridge district. Children (aged 2–9 years) were screened by local trained field-workers who interviewed the caregivers with a simple questionnaire. Children who screened positive were examined by a paediatrician. Altogether 4581 children were screened, 541 had a paediatric assessment, and 152 (3,3%) were found to have an intellectual disability (IQ ≤ 80). The mild to severe disability ratio was 4:1, and 52% of affected children with an IQ ≤ 70 had associated disorders. The aetiology of the disability was congenital in 25% of cases, acquired in 11% and undetermined in 64%. The affected male to female ratio was 3:2. These findings have implications for the provision of appropriate special education, as well as health preventive services.