Serebral Palside Dil ve Konuşma Bozukluklarına Yönelik Farkındalık Çalışması

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the social awareness of cerebral palsy (CP) and speech and language disorders in individuals with CP. It was also aimed to investigate the change in social awareness among participants whether they have a relative with CP. Subjects and Method: 95 participants, 57 women and 38 men, participated in the study. A Google survey form developed based on literature review was used. In the form consisting of a total of 18 questions; demographic information of the participants, general information about CP, awareness of speech, language, feeding, and swallowing disorders in CP are questioned. Results: 80% (n = 76) of the participants did not have a relative with CP. Among those who had no relatives with CP, 59.2% stated that they had no opinion about the questions "CP is not a progressive disease" and 56.6% stated that "siblings of children with CP are not expected to have CP". Among the individuals with relatives with CP, 36.3% had no idea whether CP was a progressive disease or not. It was determined that 51.6% of all individuals had no opinion about dysphagia in individuals with CP, followed by 50.5% about feeding difficulties. More than half of those who had no relatives with CP stated that they had no opinion on 6 out of 8 questions related to speech and language. Conclusions: It was observed that the general knowledge level and general awareness of individuals with relatives with CP were higher. Swallowing and feeding difficulties in CP were the least understood by all. Being more aware of speech, language, feeding, and swallowing difficulties in CP can help people participate in activities, communication, and living and improve their quality of life. Trainings, seminars, and TV and social media campaigns can raise public awareness in this area. More than half of those without relatives with CP stated that they had no opinion on 6 out of 8 questions related to speech and language. Conclusions: Those with relatives with CP had better levels of knowledge regarding CP and speech, language, feeding, and swallowing than those without. Swallowing and feeding difficulties in CP were least understood by all. Being more aware of speech, language, feeding, and swallowing difficulties in CP can help people participate in activities, communication, and living and improve their quality of life. Trainings, seminars, and TV and social media campaigns can raise public awareness in this area.