Date of Award

2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Health Sciences

First Advisor

Cox, Violet

Subject Headings

Aphasia -- Ohio -- Cleveland, Public speaking, Aphasia -- Ohio -- Cleveland -- Psychology, Aphasia -- Rehabilitation -- Ohio -- Cleveland, Aphasia -- Treatment, Aphasia awareness, aphasia advocacy, psychosocial rehabilitation, knowledge of aphasia, aphasia therapy

Abstract

Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that affects portions of the brain responsible for language processing and production. It is a disorder that occurs secondary to strokes and other traumatic brain injuries. It is estimated that almost 1 million people in the United States have aphasia. However, there has been very little research regarding public awareness of aphasia, particularly among service-industry workers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of public awareness of aphasia in Cleveland, Ohio. This study investigated 100 individuals' knowledge of aphasia by way of a questionnaire, with a focus on respondents who were employed within the public-service sector. Participants were recruited from public areas in Cleveland, Ohio, and filled out a 6-item survey. The responses were then analyzed using quantitative procedures and compared to other existing studies on aphasia awareness. Several categorical variables and their relationship to aphasia awareness were examined to determine if any statistically significant findings existed. Out of the individuals surveyed, 19 had heard of aphasia. The results indicated there was a statistically significant relationship between the age of respondents and aphasia awareness. The education level of respondents also had an impact of aphasia awareness. Occupation, income level, and gender did not appear to have an impact on aphasia awareness. Respondents aged 36-55 years had the highest aphasia awareness rates, and adults ages 56-65 years had the lowest rates of aphasia awareness. Since stroke and aphasia are so closely linked, it is critical to improve public awareness among all age groups, particularly older populations. This can be achieved through education, advocacy and job training

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