Biopsychosocial needs and problems among preschool children with speech impairment

Abstract

Background Speech impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. Aim The current study aimed to assess the biopsychosocial needs and problems of preschool children with speech impairment. Design A descriptive research design was utilized in the current study. Setting The current study was done in outpatient phonetic clinic at El-Menofeya University Hospital. Sample A purposive sample of 200 preschool children with determined inclusion criteria. Tools for data collection Demographic and medical history questionnaire for children with speech impairment, biopsychosocial needs scale for preschool children with speech impairment and biopsychosocial problems scale for preschool children with speech impairment. Results The current study showed that 69% of the selected children with speech impairment were aged from 4 to 5 years with a mean of 4.2±1.0. Regarding Sex, 54% of selected children were males. While 47% and 46% of their fathers and mothers had diploma levels respectively. Regarding physical needs, 58% of them usually ate healthy and preferable foods. Regarding psychological needs, 71% of the selected children were sometimes satisfied with love and compassion and had family support to overcome fear. Related to social needs, 66% of the selected children were encouraged to participate in group activities. Concerning biopsychosocial problems, 63% of them sometimes had a lack of appetite. Similarly, 48% and 70% had aggressive reactions and fears from others, except for family members, and did not interact with peers easily. Conclusion The study concluded that 86%, 82% and 86% of selected children were satisfied with their physical, psychological, and social needs, respectively, while 92.5% of the selected children needed medical and nursing intervention related to biopsychosocial problems and 7.5% of them needed to modify the unacceptable behaviors related to biopsychosocial problems. Recommendation The study recommended the need for further researches on a large scale to assess biopsychosocial needs and early detection of biopsychosocial problems among preschool-aged children with speech impairment in different community settings. Furthermore, applying biopsychosocial assessment for needs among preschool age children with speech impairment in all phonetics outpatients’ clinics and speech centers.