Abstract

The aim of the study was to define spatial distribution and prevalence of mental retardation in all the provinces of Iran. First, mental retardation prevalence in different states was drawn using GIS plan in 2006 and 2011. Then, mental disorders percentage and also prevalence were calculated according to age, gender and accommodation. Findings showed that mental retardation prevalence has increased in most of the states in recent years and the most cases were observed among people aged 15 to 29 years. Moreover, mental retardation prevalence rate during recent 5 years has increased from 0.42 to 0.44 % of population. We concluded that identifying high risk regions and effective social factors limit services for real needs to decline occurring and prevalence of disability.