Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
11:29

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Published on: June 20, 2020

Mild intellectual disability in children in Lahore, Pakistan: aetiology and risk factors

M Yaqoob1, A Bashir, S Zaman

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Maternity and Children's Hospital, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. drmyaqoob56@hotmail.com

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|September 11, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Mild intellectual disability (ID) in Pakistani children is linked to prenatal factors like small for gestational age and postnatal issues such as malnutrition and social deprivation. Maternal illiteracy and small head circumference at birth are significant risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Child Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Understanding the causes of intellectual disability (ID) in children is crucial for effective intervention and support.
  • A precise etiological diagnosis aids in determining prognosis and tailoring necessary services for affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiology and risk factors associated with mild intellectual disability in a cohort of children.
  • To identify key contributing factors in both prenatal and postnatal periods.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study was conducted on a cohort of 40 children aged 6-10 years.
  • The study focused on four population groups in and around Lahore, Pakistan, examining mild ID.
  • Risk factors and etiology were assessed within this cohort.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of mild ID was found to be 6.2% in the studied population.
  • Prenatal factors, including small for gestational age and multifactorial inheritance, were implicated in 22% of cases.
  • Postnatal causes, primarily social deprivation and malnutrition, accounted for 28% of cases, with 50% remaining unexplained.

Conclusions:

  • Mild ID shows a clear association with prenatal and postnatal malnutrition and social deprivation.
  • Maternal illiteracy and a small head circumference at birth emerged as significant independent risk factors for mild ID in children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties12:55

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

Published on: September 27, 2020

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)10:58

Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)

Published on: August 28, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Biological Influences on Intelligence01:30

Biological Influences on Intelligence

Intelligence is often thought to be linked to brain size, but the relationship is more complex than that. While brain size does correlate modestly with some abilities, like verbal skills, the connection is weaker for others, such as spatial reasoning. Other factors, like brain structure, also play crucial roles. For instance, despite Einstein's smaller-than-average brain, his parietal cortex, which is involved in spatial reasoning, was 15% wider, suggesting that neural density might matter more...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
Learning Disabilities01:25

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...