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The koro epidemic in lower assam
D Dutta1, H R Phookan, P D Das
1Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Gauhati Medical College, Gauhati-781003.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|October 4, 2011
Summary
This study analyzes a Koro epidemic in Assam, finding it primarily affected young Hindu Assamese males below 30. Public reassurance through mass media was key to resolving the outbreak without fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Cultural Psychiatry
Background:
- Koro is a culture-bound syndrome characterized by intense anxiety about genital retraction.
- Epidemics of Koro have been documented in various parts of Asia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the socio-economic, cultural factors, and clinical symptomatology of a Koro epidemic in Assam.
- To identify predisposing factors and outcomes of Koro during the epidemic.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 83 Koro cases, including 19 females, treated at Gauhati Medical College.
- Analysis of socio-economic, cultural, and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Koro predominantly affected young males (<30 years) from Hindu Assamese, middle-class families.
- Genital symptoms were prevalent, with attacks occurring mostly at night.
- Exposure to hearsay or witnessing Koro cases precipitated illness; marriage, education, or occupation did not confer immunity.
Conclusions:
- The Koro epidemic in Assam disproportionately affected young Hindu Assamese males.
- Public reassurance via mass media effectively managed the epidemic, leading to its subsidence without fatalities.
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