The public awareness and knowledge of aphasia in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Public awareness of aphasia is essential to ensure that people with aphasia receive the support and understanding they need. Previous studies in non-Arabic speaking countries have found a universally low level of aphasia awareness and knowledge. Aims For the first time, the public awareness and knowledge of aphasia in Saudi Arabia was examined in this study. Additionally, the influence of demographic factors (i.e., age, gender, education, socio-economic status, and city of residency) on the levels of aphasia awareness and knowledge were investigated. Methods The target sample size was estimated a priori using power analysis, and thus the current study had the largest sample size compared to other public aphasia awareness studies published to date. A total of 1631 members of the public completed an online survey using an adapted version of the public awareness of aphasia questionnaire. Results 20.48% of the respondents had heard of aphasia, of whom only 4.79% had correct basic knowledge of aphasia in relation to its features and causes. Aphasia awareness was influenced by demographic factors, including age, level of education, and socio-economic status, whilst demographic factors did not have an influence on aphasia knowledge. Interestingly, there was a prevalent belief that aphasia can improve, with Speech-Language Therapy being the most frequently chosen treatment option, followed by psychotherapy. Conclusions Although aphasia awareness in Saudi Arabia was slightly higher than has been observed in some non-Arab countries, aphasia awareness and knowledge remain low despite several aphasia awareness campaigns carried out across multiple countries over the past two decades. These results highlight the need to develop action plans not only to raise public awareness of aphasia, but to educate the public on the nature of aphasia. This could be accomplished through international collaborations to raise aphasia awareness and knowledge. Future initiatives must be directed towards providing adequate aphasia education to families and the general public by healthcare providers.