The prevalence of learning disability in a Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland.

Abstract

The Southern Health and Social Services Board is one of four in the province and encompasses three administrative areas. The survey included ascertained mild cases of learning disability, and both ascertained and unascertained individuals functioning at levels below IQ 50. The prevalence of mild learning disability is within the limits reported in the literature and is discussed in the context of the 'new morbidity'. However, the rates of severe learning disability (IQ < 50) in all three areas are high--between 7.9 and 10.2 per 1000 in the 15-19-years-old age group--and confirm the findings of an earlier survey. Half of all cases live at home in 'intact' families. In families with a sole carer, the mother is seven times more likely to fill the role than the father.