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An epidemiological study on severe mental retardation among schoolchildren in Bologna, Italy
G Benassi1, M Guarino, S Cammarata
1Neurological Institute, University of Bologna, Italy.
Insights
This study investigated severe mental retardation (SMR) in Bologna, Italy, finding a prevalence of 3.4 per 1000 children. Many cases had prenatal causes or associated neurological impairments like epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Severe mental retardation (SMR) affects child development and requires understanding its prevalence and origins.
- Identifying causal factors and associated impairments is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, etiological origins, and associated impairments of severe mental retardation in school-aged children in Bologna, Italy.
- To provide epidemiological data to inform public health initiatives and clinical management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive survey was conducted among school-aged children (6-13 years) in Bologna.
- Children with IQs ≤ 50 were identified and assessed for SMR, etiological origins, and co-occurring conditions.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of SMR was 3.4 per 1000 children (4.2 males, 2.5 females).
- Prenatal factors (33.3%) were the most common cause, followed by perinatal (14.4%) and postnatal (13.3%).
- 50% of children had associated physical or neurological impairments, notably epilepsy and cerebral palsy.
Conclusions:
- Severe mental retardation in children has diverse origins, with prenatal factors being most significant.
- A high rate of associated impairments underscores the complexity of SMR and the need for comprehensive care.
- Epidemiological data on SMR are essential for targeted public health interventions and improved clinical support.
Abstract:
The prevalence, causal origin of and impairments associated with severe mental retardation (SMR) were investigated among all school-age children (six to 13 years) living in the city of Bologna, Italy. 90 children (57 boys, 33 girls) with IQs less than or equal to 50 were identified. The prevalence of SMR was 4.2 per 1000 for males, 2.5 per 1000 for females and 3.4 per 1000 for both sexes. Causal origin was prenatal for 33.3 per cent, perinatal for 14.4 per cent, combined pre- and perinatal for 5.6 per cent and postnatal for 13.3 per cent. Another 12.3 per cent of the children with IQs less than or equal to 50 had autism or childhood psychosis, while there was no evident cause of mental retardation for the remaining 21.1 per cent. 50 per cent had at least one associated physical or neurological impairment other than mental retardation, with epilepsy and cerebral palsy predominating.