Exploring the Awareness of Communication Disorders and Speech-Language Pathology Profession among School and Colleges Teachers in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: This study aims on the awareness of communication disorders and speech-language pathology profession among teachers. There is need to assess awareness of teachers for communication disorders and speech-language pathology profession. Because communication skills is most important to communicate with each other, it helps to improve speech pattern, language pattern and other type of disorders.

Objective: To determine the awareness of communication disorders and speech-language pathology profession among school and colleges teachers.

Methodology: It was cross-sectional study and duration of study was six months (August 2023-January 2024). This study was conducted at private and government schools and colleges. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. The sample size were 268 school and colleges both public and private teachers of Lahore, Pakistan.

Findings: According to research results, most of the people included in the research were women (76.87%) and 42.54% of them were master's degree holders, while 17.54% held secondary or higher secondary degrees. Most of the participants were arts teachers (63.81%) and private employees (55.22%). Experience-wise, 18.66% had taught for 16 years or more, 37.69% had 2-5 years' experience. Awareness with regard to communication-related disorders was shown by 63.81% of respondents and the level of knowledge varied according to the varied disorders. Awareness of the speech-language pathology field was 65.3% while the importance of speech-language pathologists was viewed by 57.8% of respondents. Meanwhile, 60.4% of respondents expressed interest in pursuing a career in speech-language pathology, indicating good prospects for the field. It stresses the need for concerted efforts to raise awareness about communication disorders and the speech-language pathology profession.

Conclusion: The findings show that while a considerable number of teachers have heard of communication disorder and speech-language pathology profession, there is still growth in awareness concerning specific disorders. These findings accentuate targeted efforts to increase the knowledge of teachers in communication disorders and the role of speech-language pathologists concerning supporting students with such needs.