Prevalence Of Communication Disorders Research Articles

Prevalence of communication disorders among school children in Ballari, South India: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionCongenital or acquired childhood communication disorders can negatively impact the emotional, social and academic skills in children. Research studies have reported that school going children are at higher risk of having communication disorders which will affect their academic and other skills. However, there is a dearth of studies on epidemiological data on communication disorders in school going children hence the present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of communication disorders among school going children of Ballari district. MethodIn a Cross-sectional study carried out on 2304 school going children (6–16years) of primary and secondary government schools in rural areas of Ballari district, Karnataka were screened using subjective & objective measures for communication disorders. ResultsThe results revealed a total of 99 out of 2304 children were identified with communication disorders indicating a prevalence rate of 4.29%. Among them, a total of 75 children were having hearing and otological disorders (3.25%) and 24 children were having speech and language disorders (1.04%). Further, the prevalence of communication disorders was found to be higher among males (2.38%) compared to females (1.91%). ConclusionThe present study found a lesser prevalence rate of communication disorder in school aged children of Ballari district, than the previous studies. Hearing loss and otological problems such as impacted cerumen, ear pain, ear discharge, etc., were found to be more than speech-language disorders such as stuttering, speech sound disorders and child language disorders.

Estimation of prevalence and screening of communication disorders in North and Middle Andaman and Nicobar Islands

ObjectiveAndaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory in the Indian sub-continent. Though housing a highly diverse and large population, there is very limited data regarding the prevalence of communication disorder in this region. This information would play a crucial role in creating awareness amongst the people of the islands regarding communication impairments, providing rehabilitation services, and improving policies and facilities for the affected individuals. MethodThe study was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved a door to door survey. The survey was carried out across towns in North and Middle Andaman by NSS student volunteers and staffs of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru. During this phase, individuals with communication disorders were identified and referred for a two-day camp. The second phase involved diagnosis and rehabilitation of these referred individuals in a campsite set in a well accessible point in the city of Mayabunder. Results3.38% of the surveyed population was referred for the camp. Hearing impairment was found to be more prevalent than language and speech disorders. It was also found that delayed birth cry, low-birth weight and pre-mature delivery were the major risk factors of communication disorders in the region. Amongst the referred individuals who attended the camp, 46.8% of ear-related issues and 53.2% of speech and language disorders was estimated. It was also observed that males were more affected by communication disorder than females. ConclusionThe high prevalence values indicate the need for immediate action in terms of facilities and infrastructure in these regions for enabling a better quality of life of individuals with communication disorders.

Prevalence of communication disorders in Port Blair-Andaman and Nicobar Islands

ObjectiveAndaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory in the Indian sub-continent with a very diverse and large population. There was no existing data regarding the prevalence of communication disorder in this region and hence, this study was taken up. This information was considered essential for creating awareness among the population about communication impairments, for providing rehabilitation and to improve policies and facilities for the affected individuals. MethodThe study was completed in two phases. In the first phase, a door to door survey was carried out by students and staffs of All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, in the islands. During this phase, all individuals with communication disorders were identified and referred for a two-day camp that followed. The second phase involved diagnosis and rehabilitation of these referred individuals in a camp site set in a well accessible point in the capital city of Port Blair. Results4.12% of the population that was surveyed got referred for the camp. Amongst the referred individuals who participated in the camp, the prevalence of ear-related problems was estimated to be 47.76%, and that of speech and language disorders came up to 52.24%. It was also noticed that males were more affected by communication disorder than females. ConclusionThe prevalence values were found to be quite high in city of Port Blair and immediate action is required in terms of facilities and infrastructure in these areas for improving the quality of life of individuals with communication disorders.

Prevalence of communication disorders in a group of islands in India

BackgroundLakshadweep is a union territory of India which is a socially and geographically secluded part from the main land giving rise to increased inbreeding; one of the causes for the communication disorders. Information about prevalence of communication disorders is essential for the prevention, policy decision making and providing effective rehabilitation services. The study was conducted as a part of fieldwork by staff and students of the AIISH to estimate the prevalence of communication disorders in Lakshadweep. MethodA door to door survey was conducted in 5 islands (surveyed population: 22,558) of Lakshadweep to identify the population at risk for communication disorders. Those who were at risk were screened to identify the same in the second phase. Screening was conducted in camps held at three islands. The prevalence of communication disorders was then estimated for the at-risk population. ResultsThe percentage of individuals who were at-risk of communication disorders as estimated from the survey data was found to be 3.63%. Among those who appeared for the screening camp 42.64% of individuals were found to have ear related problems and 57.36% individuals had speech–language disorders. Also, males had higher prevalence of ear related (53.77% against 46.23%) and speech language related problems (60.29% against 39.71%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of hearing loss was lesser and the prevalence of speech–language disorders higher compared to the mainland. Among the communication disorders, speech and language disorders were more prevalent. Males were more prone to the communication disorders than females.

A Cross Sectional Descriptive Research on Prevalence of Communication Disorders in Morocco through Speech-Language Therapist Survey

Background: Although communication disorder among the Moroccan population is prevalent, information readily available on this issue is scarce. National statistical information is the official authority that estimates the magnitude of this disorder. With the help of an online survey among the Speech-Language therapist (SLT) in 15 major cities of the kingdom of Morocco, the present study aims at estimating the prevalence of communication disorders among Moroccan population. The study is particularly keen in estimating the factors like age of the affected population and the tools the language therapists are using in addressing the issue. On analyzing the data, the study concludes with the outcome that speech disorders are top in the list of communication disorders and there must be early screening in detecting the issue to treat it effectively. The study also feels the need to apply appropriate tools in addressing the issue that suits the socio-cultural context of Morocco Material and Methods: A questionnaire based online survey was conducted among a fairly representative sample of Speech-Language therapist (SLT) covering 15 major cities of the kingdom of Morocco. Results: The questionnaires were completed by 68SLTs. Within the studied sample, 53.8% show oral communication disorders; 16.7% have written communication disorders, 11.2% show disabilities (deafness, autism, mental disability and other Rare Diseases), 10.5% have Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) disorders, and the rest (7.8%) has neurological disorders. It is estimated that 5.62% of the Moroccan population are affected with speech disorders, 1.74% are unable to communicate in writing, 1.17% are disabled, 1.09% are affected with ENT disorders, and 0.81% have neurological disorders. Thus, in this study, we found that the estimated prevalence of communication disorders were 10.43% for overall the population, among them speech disorder found to be very prominent. Conclusion: In the selected sample, we found that oral language disorders are more prevalent than the other kinds of communication disorders. And the prevalence of delayed language is higher than the other kinds of oral language disorders.

Prevalence of Communication Disorders in HIV-Infected Adults

Few adult patients with HIV/AIDS are evaluated for communication disorders. A broad inventory of the communication disorders was obtained in a convenience sample of 82 adult HIV/AIDS patients who presented for medical appointments. Each participant underwent a head and neck exam and a communications skills evaluation. Speech, language, and cognition were assessed using a 10-item test battery. A 14-item hearing test battery was conducted in a separate session. The primary outcomes were the presence and degree of communication disorders. Head and neck exams revealed 40% with ear-related issues. Only 2 participants showed normal findings on all 24 communication skills assessments. Four demonstrated normal findings on all speech-language-cognitive assessments, whereas 8 had normal findings on the complete hearing test battery. A relatively high prevalence of cognitive and language deficits and central auditory disturbances were found. Clinicians must recognize the potential for communication deficits even in a relatively healthy patient with HIV.

Traumatic brain injury in veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: Communication disorders stratified by severity of brain injury

Objective: To describe the prevalence of communication disorders in veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Design: Retrospective study of the prevalence of aphasia, fluency and voice disorders among veterans with different severity levels of TBI. Data was obtained from the VA National repository for OEF/OIF/OND veterans who received VA care in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.Results: Among the 303 716 veterans in this study, 1848 were diagnosed with a communication disorder; 40% of these were also diagnosed with a TBI. Voice disorders were the most prevalent diagnosis (3.5 per 1000) followed by aphasia (1.9 per 1000) and fluency disorder (0.7 per 1000). Individuals with a TBI diagnosis were more likely to have a diagnosis of aphasia, followed by fluency and then voice disorder. The odds ratio (OR) of aphasia with TBI was 11.09–252.75 (95% CI = 8.78–441.52, p < 0.01). OR for fluency disorders with TBI was 3.58–10.41 (95% CI = 2.56–42.40, p < 0.01) and association of voice disorders with TBI was significant for all levels of TBI severity (OR = 1.5–6.61, 95% CI = 1.24–14.05, p < 0.01).Conclusions: Veterans who sustained a TBI were more likely to have a diagnosis of a communication disorder, regardless of TBI severity. Those with TBI, including mild TBI, should be screened and evaluated for communication disorders.

Communication Disorders: Prevalence and Comorbid Intellectual Disability, Autism, and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

To determine a population-based estimate of communication disorders (CDs) in children; the co-occurrence of intellectual disability (ID), autism, and emotional/behavioral disorders; and the impact of these conditions on the prevalence of CDs. Surveillance targeted 8-year-olds born in 1994 residing in 2002 in the 3 most populous counties in Utah (n = 26,315). A multiple-source record review was conducted at all major health and educational facilities. A total of 1,667 children met the criteria of CD. The prevalence of CD was estimated to be 63.4 per 1,000 8-year-olds (95% confidence interval = 60.4-66.2). The ratio of boys to girls was 1.8:1. Four percent of the CD cases were identified with an ID and 3.7% with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Adjusting the CD prevalence to exclude ASD and/or ID cases significantly affected the CD prevalence rate. Other frequently co-occurring emotional/behavioral disorders with CD were attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and conduct disorder. Findings affirm that CDs and co-occurring mental health conditions are a major educational and public health concern.

Speech, Language, and Audiology Services in Public Schools

The prevalence of communication disorders (speech, language, and hearing) among school-age children continues to increase, making it imperative that the classroom teacher be able to identify children in need of services. This article provides information that will enable all teachers to recognize when a child is exhibiting signs of a communication disorder, describes methods of assessment, provides classroom strategies, and identifies interventions and service delivery models typically used by communication specialists.

Valedictory—why pediatric otorhinolaryngology is important

The importance of the care given by the pediatric otolaryngologist to the individual child encompasses the traditional purposes of medicine. This field has its special focus on interventions that preserve, restore and/or otherwise improve hearing, speech, voice, gustation, olfaction, deglutition, respiration, appearances, etc. The value-added dimension of pediatric otolaryngology is of essential importance because it enhances communication-language—through the vehicles of hearing, voice, and speech. This critical role is manifest in two ways. The first relates to the economic bases of society. Comparison of the consequences of communications disorders in three different countries ranging, currently, from one very highly dependent upon communication skills (The Netherlands), to one highly dependent upon communication skills (the United States), to a developing nation less dependent upon communication skills (the Philippines) is presented. All three nations are adversely affected economically and socially by communication disorders. It is estimated that the United States loses between 2.5 and 3% of its gross domestic product from the economic sequel of communication disorders. It also appears that communication disorders contribute to crime, since the prevalence of communication disorders is many times greater in populations of juvenile delinquents than in the general population. Communication disorders may act synergistically with diminished economic and social resources and other factors in the causes of violent behavior and crime.

Valedictory—why pediatric otorhinolaryngology is important

The importance of the care given by the pediatric otolaryngologist to the individual child encompasses the traditional purposes of medicine. This field has its special focus on interventions that preserve, restore, and/or otherwise improve hearing, speech, voice, gustation, olfaction, deglutition, respiration, appearances, etc. The value-added dimension of pediatric otolaryngology is of essential importance because it enhances communication language—through the vehicles of hearing, voice, and speech. This critical role is manifest in two ways. The first relates to the economic bases of society. Comparison of the consequences of communication disorders in three different countries ranging, currently, from one very highly dependent upon communication skills (the Netherlands), to one highly dependent upon communication skills (the United States), to a developing nation less dependent upon communication skills, (the Philippines) is presented. All three nations are adversely affected economically and socially by communication disorders. It is estimated that the United States loses between 2.5% and 3% of its gross domestic product from the economic sequelae of communication disorders. It appears also that communication disorders contribute to crime, since the prevalence of communication disorders is many times greater in populations of juvenile delinquents than in the general population. Communication disorders may act synergistically with diminished economic and social resources and other factors in the causes of violent behavior and crime.

The Prevalence of Communication Disorders in Children: A Summary and Critical Review

This paper seeks to summarise and evaluate research into the prevalence of communication impairment in children. Such research is at times contradictory and at best fraught with difficulties of controllable and uncontrollable variables. Uncontrollable variables include the changing base of what constitutes a disorder, and differing identification techniques which provide different prevalence results. As well, issues of study design such as sample size, sample representativeness, and type of examiners are also important when considering the results of prevalence research.

Prevalence of communication disorders in students with learning disabilities.

The prevalence of communication disorders in a population of 242 children with learning disabilities between 8 and 12 years of age enrolled in a school system in Alabama was studied. The prevalence of articulation, language, voice, fluency, and hearing disorders was determined through an individual assessment program. A speech, language, or hearing problem was exhibited by 96.2% (233) of the 242 children studied. Language deficits were found in 90.5%, articulation deficits in 23.5%, voice disorders in 12%, and fluency disorders in 1.2% of the students with learning disabilities. Puretone hearing deficits were observed in 7.4% and middle ear function deficits were observed in 15.7% of the students. Only 6% of the children were receiving the services of a speech-language pathologist.