Knowledge about Speech Language Pathology and Audiology in a district in Amazon

Abstract

Objective: to analyze a population’s knowledge regarding Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Methods: 81 subjects resident in Monte Negro city were interviewed, and were divided into three groups, G1 composed of subjects who sought for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology therapy, G2 by subjects who sought for dental care and G3 by a population which did not seek any kind of service. For quantification of knowledge about Speech Language Pathology and Audiology performance, the researchers developed a questionnaire with 10 questions. Results: The mean age of the subjects in G1 was 47.88 years, 37.44 years for G2 and to G3 37.27 years. G1 was prevalent in males, which was not observed in G2 and G3. Regarding education, the three groups showed prevalence of subjects illiterate or with incomplete primary education. When asked about the knowledge of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology practice, no difference between the groups was observed, however there was difference when combining knowledge about Speech Language Pathology and Audiology therapy care and education of individuals. Regarding the age at which the Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist acts, most of the sample responded that this professional can work with any age group. When questioned about the area of actuation most of them reported the area of audiology. To make comparisons of the need for speech therapy with education and age, no difference was found. Conclusion: There was ignorance or partial knowledge about the Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, even among subjects who were waiting for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology therapy.