Pre-natal and Post-natal Risk Factors for Mental Retardation among Children in Varanasi

Abstract The present study was aimed to investigate the pre-natal and post-natal risk factors for mental retardation among children in Varanasi. The sample of the study was categorized into three categories viz. mild, moderate and severe. The sample size consisted of 150 mentally retarded children: 34 mild, 96 moderate and 20 severe in the age group of 5-20 years. Purposive sampling technique was done with the help of interview schedule. Results of the study indicated that the maternal age at conception, excessive use of nicotine and alcohol during the pre-natal period, child prematurity and nutritional disorder in the natal and post-natal period were the prime causes behind mental retardation.