Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo 2015 Volume 143, Issue 3-4, Pages: 169-173
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH1504169R
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The impact of demographic and socio-economic conditions on the prevalence of speech disorders in preschool children in Bitola
Rajchanovska Domnika (University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, High Medical School, Bitola, R. Macedonia)
Zaifirova Ivanovska Beti (University “St. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Medicine, Skopje, R. Macedonia)
Introduction. Speech development in preschool children should be consistent
with a child’s overall development. However, disorders of speech in
childhood are not uncommon. Objective. The purpose of the study was to
determine the impact of demographic and socio-economic conditions on the
prevalence of speech disorders in preschool children in Bitola. Methods. The
study is observational and prospective with two years duration. During the
period from May 2009 to June 2011, 1607 children aged 3 and 5 years, who
came for regular examinations, were observed. The following research methods
were applied: pediatric examination, psychological testing (Test of
Chuturik), interviews with parents and a questionnaire for behavior of
children (Child Behavior Checklist - CBCL). Results. 1,607 children were
analyzed, 772 aged three years, 835 aged five years, 51.65% male and 49.35%
female. The prevalence of speech disorders was 37.65%. Statistical analysis
showed that these disorders were more frequent in three years old children,
males living in rural areas and in larger families. They did not have their
own rooms at home, they were using mobile phones and were spending many
hours per day watching television, (p<0.01). Also, children whose parents
had lower levels of education and were engaged in agriculture, often had
significant speech disorders, (p<0.01). Conclusion. Speech disorders in
preschool children in Bitola have a high prevalence. Because of their
influence on later cognitive development of children, the process requires
cooperation among parents, children, speech and the audiologist with the
significant role in prevention, early detection and treatment.
Keywords: dyslalia, developmental dysphasia, preschool children, socio-economic conditions