Characterization of the population assisted by a Speech Language Therapy Service in a Health Unit

Abstract

Purpose: Characterize the population assisted by a Speech-Language Therapy Service in the city of Maceió as the Speech-Language findings, socioeconomic and demographics aspects. Methods: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, whose sample was made up of a database secondary to screening protocols of the Health Service. It was a census sample and analysed 118 protocols covering the years 2006 and 2007. Results: It was found that the level of schooling of 34.15% of the population above age 15 is comprised of illiterates and school level with incomplete primary education. It was seen that 55.46% of the population is male and 37.82% in the age group from 0 to 6 years old. The monthly family income for 34.82% of the population is from 0 to 01 minimum wage. It also found that in 86% of the population who had passed through screening, some Speech-Language findings was found, with (50.42%) in the area of language. Conclusion: The population has mostly aged from 0 to 6 years, male and unfavorable socioeconomic indicators, especially concerning education and income. It was found a large number of Speech-Language findings with predominance in the area of language.