Handedness in Colombia: Some associated conditions

Abstract

As part of a national neuroepidemiological study a population-based sample of 6941 subjects, 10 years of age or older, was selected in five different regions in Colombia (South America). Overall, 91.65% of the participants (90.6%) of the males; 92.7% of the females) considered themselves as right-handers. Handedness was significantly correlated with education in men but not in women. Handedness was not associated with age. Prevalence of history of loss of consciousness, tremors, difficulties with speech, and traumatic head injury was observed to be higher in non-handers than in right-handers. This finding was particularly evident in men. Implications of current results are analysed.