Screening for chronic impairments using medical interns in rural Haryana, India

Background. With the increase in life expectancy, prevalence of impairments and disabilities are expected to increase in India, However, there have be en very few studies to estimate the magnitude of the problem in rural India . This is essential, if appropriate rehabilitaion services are to be planne d in the country. Methods. The study was done in the rural field practice area of the Ail Ind ia institute of Medical Sciences at Ballabgarh, Haryana, The survey was con ducted by successive batches of interns posted at Ballabgarh as a part of t heir compulsory rotating internship programme. The diagnostic criteria were based on history and simple clinical examination done at the domiciliary l evel. Results. A total population of 25 509 in twelve villages were screened. The total impairment rate was 5.4% with no significant men/women difference. T he prevalence of physical impairment was 4.7 per 1000 population. The preva lence of corneal opacity in children below 15 years of age was 4.7 per 1000 . Prevalence of cataract was almost 35% in the population over 60 years of age and 15% in the population between 45 to 60 years. Auditory impairment w as 19.6 per 1000 as ascertained by history. Three-fourths of this was condu ctive deafness and was found mainly in people above 60 years of age. Conclusion. Utilizing the rural field practice areas of medical colleges fo r collection of data on issues of national health importance would not only strengthen the hearth system in the country but also improve medical educa tion. There is a need for a comprehensive preventive, promotive, curative a nd rehabilitative approach to disabilities in India.