Mental retardation in Oman a-2 year survey in a clinical psychology clinic

Over a 2-year period, 144 omani mentally retarded patients were assessed. A questionnaire was utilized to obtain demographic data and details of significance such as consanguinity, family history, medical history, developmental milestones, self help abilities and schooling. The vineland social maturity scale and the Stanford binet intelligence scale was used to assess the patients. Majority of the patient were from the Muscat region, followed by Batinah, Dakhliya, Sharqiya, Dhofar and Dhahira. There were no patients from wustah and musandam. A large proportion [50.69%] of the patients had consanguineous parents and 21.52% of the patients had a family history of mental retardation. Unhealthy pregnancies [14.58%] and a significant medical history [57.63%] was evident. Developmental delay and speech problems [81.94%] were present. A proportion of the patients revealed that 13.88% of the patients were in the category of mild MR; 35.41% were in the category of moderate MR and 18.75% in the category of severe MR. There is a need to gauge mental retardation in oman by large systematic epidemiological studies followed by systematic prevention work

Mental retardation in an Omani population: a closer look

All the parents of the children attending a Day Care Center for the Mentally Retarded in Oman were administrred a questionnaire. The questionnaire covered three main areas: [a] possible medical cause of mental retardation, [b] socio-economic background of the family, and [c] parental attitudes and needs. The Stanford Binet Test of Intelligence was used to assess the intellectual ability of the children. Consanguinity between the parents of the mentally retarded children and a significant history of medical illness was found in the mentally retarded children. Majority of the children came from families of lower socio-economic status with low levels of education in the parents. The children come from large families [average size 9] where circumstances do not permit much attention or care to be given to the mentally retarded child. The parents felt the need of help and guidance in dealing with their mentally retarded children