Comorbidities and group comparisons of epilepsy-caused mental disability in China

Epilepsy is the third leading cause of mental disability in China. This report estimates the prevalence rate of comorbidities with epilepsy-caused mental disability (EMD) and identifies vulnerable Chinese subgroups. The second China National Sample Survey on Disability was used to identify people with EMD based on the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases. Logistic regressions were used to compare comorbidities by sex, age, community, and region. A total of 1490 respondents were diagnosed with EMD, which was more prevalent in rural communities, in the western region, and among younger people. Brain diseases and organic mental disorders were the most prevalent comorbidities with EMD. Children and people of the eastern region were more likely to have comorbidities with other chronic brain diseases. This first national study of comorbidities with EMD highlights the vulnerability of children.

► Epilepsy-caused mental disability was identified from the Survey on Disability. ► EMD was more prevalent in rural, in the western region, and among the younger. ► Brain diseases and organic mental disorders were the most prevalent comorbidities. ► Children and people in the east were more likely to comorbid with brain diseases. ► This national study of comorbidities with EMD highlights vulnerability of children.