Self-reported physical disabilities in children in the Netherlands

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of self-reported physical disabilities in school children, through the Child Health Monitoring System. Methods: In 1992/1993, data were obtained in mainstream education (n = 5484 ), and in 1994/1995 in special education (n = 2622). The data were weighted to calculate estimates representative of the Dutch population. Results: Physical disabilities were reported in 21% [20.9%; 99% confidence interval 20.0-21.8], and 5% [4.7%; 99% confidence interval 4.3-5.2] had a s evere disability. Severe physical disabilities were more frequent in the yo ungest age group, and certain of these disabilities may be related to norma l development. In older children, accidents are an important cause of disab ilities. Boys had disabilities more often than girls, especially speech dis abilities. Disabilities were more common among children whose parents had a low level of education. Only a minority (14%) of the children with a sever e disability, reported to be restricted in the daily pursuits. Conclusions: Physical disabilities are a common health problem in school ch ildren, but they do not usually cause a handicap.