Prevalence and risk factors for primary speech and language delay among children attending speech and language therapy clinic at Muhimbili national hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Children's speech-language development is crucial for the acquisition of social and academic skills. The speech-language delay is diagnosed when the child follows a correct sequence of speech and language development but at a slow rate, therefore failing to reach the expected milestone of his/her age. The delay can be primary or secondary to other health conditions. In primary delay, there is no identified cause, however, several risk factors are attributable to its development. Male sex, extended use of electronic gadgets like Television (TV) and smartphones, and a family history of speech and language delays have all been recognized as common risk factors. Understanding these factors may help the development of preventive strategies and early intervention of the condition to prevent associated consequences like social and academic difficulties. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors for primary speech and language delay in children attending the Muhimbili National Hospital Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) clinic. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 among children aged 2 to 5 years attending a speech-language therapy clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital. For those who were recruited, their diagnoses were documented whether they had primary Speech and Language Delay (SLD) or not, and their corresponding parents/guardians were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire about the risk factors for primary SLD. Using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23, data was analyzed, and the Chi-Square test was utilized to evaluate the relationship between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 77 participants were recruited, of which males were predominantly 44(57.4%) and the age group of 3 years had the highest proportion 31(40.3 %). Prevalence of Primary speech and language delay (SLD) was 19(24.7%) with male preponderance, and the highest prevalence was found in those aged 3 years 9(29.0%). Among the risk factors assessed; a positive family history of Primary SLD (p=0.01) and being raised by single mothers (p=0.02) were found to be significantly associated with Primary SLD, while several vi risk factors which were found to be more prevalent in children with primary SLD, statistically were found to be insignificant. Conclusion: Prevalence of Primary Speech and Language Delay (SLD) was found to be 24.7%. The risk factors found to be significantly linked to primary SLD, were being raised by a single mother and having a positive family history of primary speech and language delay while other risk factors demonstrated in other studies, in this study were found to be statistically insignificant. Recommendation: Education about Primary Speech and Language Delay (SLD) and its risk factors to health care professionals and the public is an important preventive strategy. In addition, future studies with large sample size are important to assess further the relationship between primary speech and language delay and its risk factors.