Estimation of Risk Factors for Intellectual Disability in North Karnataka Region: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three main clinical conditions, i.e., cognitive deficiencies, impairments of adaptive function, and onset during the developmental period. The causes of ID include genetic abnormalities, as well as prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental factors such as exposure to toxic agents, nutritional deficiencies, childhood brain infections, and maternal infections such as rubella and cytomegalovirus may lead to ID. The present study attempted to perform a detailed analysis of case histories of children with ID among North Karnataka region to examine the frequency of occurrence of risk factors which can cause onset of ID. Methods: Retrospective analysis of records of 1400 individuals who visited our Institute, for speech and language evaluation was analyzed. Among 1400 cases, there were 300 cases were selected for the study. Results: The risk factors identified in this study primely constitute of perinatal and postnatal factors and lower socioeconomic status. Conclusion: It may be implied from the results of the study that appropriate peri and postnatal health care interventions can help to reduce risks leading to ID. Utilizing this knowledge will help with both primary and secondary level prevention by raising public awareness of the probable causes of ID. It is also possible to identify these risk factors, detect ID early, and then intervene at the earliest. Furthermore, extensive researches focusing on a thorough evaluation of risk factors with respect to severity of ID need to be carried out. This will help in understanding the causative factors better, and hence, enhance the development of preventive strategies and planning of a better rehabilitation program.