[Prevalence of handicapped individuals in a rural community]

A specially designed questionnaire was used to detect handicapped individuals in a rural community. The type and magnitude of incapacity was evaluated by a physician. Overall prevalence was 4.2% with a peak incidence in the 45 to 64 year age group (111.1 per 1000). Leading causes of incapacity were bone and muscle disorders and nervous or sensory problems. Chronic back pain was the leading individual problem. 66.7% of handicapped individuals require assistance for their everyday life activities and 47.2% are unable to engage in any productive job.