A study on the psychosocial behavior of the disabled children in Loni, Maharashtra

Rajagopal Rao Kodali1, Sitarama P Charyulu

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Chinaoutpalli, Andhra Pradesh, India. kodalirgrao@gmail.com

Insights

Psychosocial behavioral changes are prevalent in disabled children, particularly those with multiple disabilities like cerebral palsy. Early intervention through counseling and community-based rehabilitation is crucial for their well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Disability significantly impacts child development.
  • Understanding psychosocial changes in disabled children is vital for targeted interventions.
  • Previous research indicates a need for better support systems for disabled children and their families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and nature of psychosocial behavioral changes in disabled children.
  • To identify specific disability types associated with greater psychosocial challenges.
  • To provide data for developing effective support strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area.
  • 7300 children aged 0-14 years were assessed through house-to-house surveys.
  • The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to evaluate psychosocial behavior.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of childhood disability was 2.25%.
  • Psychosocial behavioral changes were most pronounced in children with multiple disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy), followed by mental retardation, locomotor disability, and visual impairment.
  • Children with hearing and speech impairments showed the least psychosocial changes.
  • These behavioral changes were statistically significant across disability groups.

Conclusions:

  • Disabled children exhibit significant psychosocial behavioral changes, varying by disability type.
  • Interventions such as counseling for children and parents, community-based rehabilitation, and inclusive education are recommended.
  • Addressing these psychosocial aspects is essential for the holistic development and integration of disabled children.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Sex Linked Disorders01:43

Sex Linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...