Abstract
The functional communication of a group of 28 South African stroke patients was examined using the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI). It was translated into Afrikaans, Sotho and Zulu and administered to the significant others of 22 aphasic patients with left hemisphere damage and 6 patients with right hemisphere damage. Results were related to the results of standardized language testing and to case history factors such as cultural factors and time since onset. The CETI was readministered in the case of eight of the aphasic subjects after a mean period of six months in order to assess its sensitivity to recovery. Results showed that the CETI seems applicable across different language groups, that it is sensitive to change across time as well as sensitive to the communication disorders resulting from both right and left hemisphere damage. Further it appears to correlate well with overall level of severity. It does not appear to differentiate patients in terms of time since onset. Its potential use as a relatively culture free assessment tool in the South African context is discussed.
Highlights
The functional communication of a group of 28 South African stroke patients was examined using the Commun (CETI)
Even for English speaking South African aphasic patients, many of the test items of the aphasia tests currently in use are inappropriate for cultural reasons
It was hypothesised that: 1. The nature of the aphasic deficit in a group of South African aphasic patients would be highlighted by means of the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI). 2
Summary
The functional communication of a group of 28 South African stroke patients was examined using the Commun (CETI). Even for English speaking South African aphasic patients, many of the test items of the aphasia tests currently in use are inappropriate for cultural reasons. Another difficulty lies in the type of facilities available for the treatment of aphasia. Despite the fact that the causes of aphasia, such as stroke, are amongst the highest in the world in the South African population, the facilities for treatment and rehabilitation are very inadequate (Fritz & Penn, 1992). The fact that there are unrealistic medical aid limits, exacerbates the problem, so that most patients after discharge are not able to afford private therapy rates
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