A Research on Crippled Schoolchildren in Chungnam Area

충남지방(忠南地方) 초중고(初中高) 학동(學童)들의 지체부자유(肢體不自由)에 관(關)한 조사(調査)

A study was conducted to provide comprehensive information on epidemiological state of crippled schoolchildren in Chungnam area from November 23,1979 to June 19,1980. In this study, two step survey was conducted upon whole primary, middle and high school, and subsequent selected 537 cases in total 3,063 crippled children. The results obstained are as follows; 1. The prevalence rate of orthopedic defect children was 3.7 per 1,000 and dominant male as 6:4. 2. It was relatively higher the school grade and prevalence rate more increased. Prevalence rate was highest in high school as 4.7 per 1,000, middle in middle school as 4.4 per 1,000 and lowest in primary school as 3.1 per 1,000. 3. The most predominant group was $15{\sim}19$ age as 52.9 percent. 4. The most common job of their parent was agriculture as 52.9 percent and next job sales and service. Economic state of Cripple's parent have revealed no particular difference. 5. In a family, the most common incidence rate was first children in both sex and decreased by ordered sibling. 6. Poliomyelitis was the most common cause as 71.5 percent and next cerebral palsy 11.9 percent. 7. The most common affected site was lower extremity (Right: 42.3%, Left: 35.5%) and next upper extremity. Right was more dominant as 55 : 45. 8. Intelligence was decresed in cerebral palsy predominantly than other cause of defect, including poliomyelitis. 9. For the treatment of their condition at onset of illness, crippled children was utilized private clinic and herb medicine, but was changed tendency of treatment as acupucture and moxibustion after diagnosis of cause of defect.