Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
06:16
Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Community management of intellectual disabilities in Pakistan: a mixed methods study
I Mirza1, A Tareen, L L Davidson
1Human Development Research Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|June 9, 2009
Summary
Delayed detection of intellectual disabilities (ID) in Pakistan leads to significant caregiver distress and missed rehabilitation opportunities. Early, community-based interventions are crucial for improving outcomes for children with ID.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Developmental Disabilities
- Public Health
Background:
- Pakistan faces a high global prevalence of childhood intellectual disabilities (ID).
- Estimates range from 19.1/1000 for serious ID to 65/1000 for mild ID.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the challenges and delays in seeking care for children with intellectual disabilities in Pakistan.
- To understand the impact of ID on families and identify needs for intervention.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 100 carers of individuals with ID using quantitative and qualitative tools.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with 16 carers and 10 primary health providers.
- Utilized focus groups (n=7) and data triangulation with literature review.
Main Results:
- A significant delay of 2.9 to 4.17 years occurred between ID detection and seeking care.
- High parental stress (mean SRQ score 8.4) and reliance on physical containment for home management were noted.
- Stigma reduced community participation, and knowledge gaps regarding ID causation and interventions were prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Significant delays in ID detection, particularly in rural areas, result in missed early rehabilitation opportunities.
- Caregivers experience distress due to lack of information on ID course, prognosis, and management.
- There is a critical need for feasible, cost-effective, community-level interventions integrated into existing healthcare systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:29Intellectual 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...
01:19Autism 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.
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.