The Prevalence of Specific Learning Disorder among School-going Children in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India: Ernakulam Learning Disorder (ELD) Study

BACKGROUND: Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in reading, written expression, and mathematics. The government provides several educational and social benefits to students with SLD, hence, an accurate assessment of the prevalence of SLD is important. This study is an attempt to find the prevalence of SLD and its determinants among the school-going children in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. METHODS: School-going children from the fourth standard to the seventh standard were included in the study. Multistage stratified cluster sampling was used. The screening for SLD was done using the LD screening tool, and confirmation of the diagnosis was made using the NIMHANS index for SLD and Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC). RESULTS: The prevalence of SLD was 16.49% (95% CI =14.59-18.37). The prevalence of impairment in reading, written expression, and mathematics was 12.57%, 15.6%, and 9.93%, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that male gender, low birth weight, presence of developmental delay, family history of poor scholastic performance, and syllabus were independently associated with SLD. CONCLUSIONS: The study found a higher prevalence of SLD (16.49%) and certain modifiable determinants of SLD were identified. It highlights the need for early detection and remedial measures for children with SLD.