International Journal of Epidemiology, Vol 26, 137-145, Copyright © 1997 by International Epidemiological Association
C Rumeau-Rouquette, H Grandjean, C Cans, C du Mazaubrun and A Verrier
BACKGROUND: Although the evolution of the prevalence of cerebral palsy is
now well documented, much less is known about the evolution of the
prevalence of other disabilities such as mental retardation, sensorial
defects, autism and psychosis. The aim of this paper is to determine those
trends. METHODS: A population-based survey was carried out in 1992-1993 in
three French 'departments'. All disabled children born between 1976 and
1985 and receiving a special education and/or financial assistance were
systematically registered. RESULTS: The comparison of three cohorts of
children born in 1976-1978, 1979-1981 and 1982-1984 using the test for
trend in proportion showed a significant decrease (P = 0.03) in the
prevalence of severe mental retardation, after exclusion of Down syndrome.
This decrease was significant for severe mental retardation associated with
psychosis. The time trend prevalence for cerebral palsy increased (P =
0.03) but was irregular. The time trend prevalence of other disabilities
(other motor defects, severe sensorial disabilities, autism and psychosis)
did not change significantly. A detailed analysis of severe mental
retardation and cerebral palsy was performed by geographical area, age at
first registration and type of disability. CONCLUSION: The increase in
prevalence of cerebral palsy is possibly due to earlier registration of
disabled children. The decrease in prevalence of severe mental retardation
does not seem to be due to recruitment bias, but there is a possibility of
classification bias.
ARTICLES
Prevalence and time trends of disabilities in school-age children
Unite 149, INSERM, Paris, France.
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