ABSTRACT

Speech-language therapy is a growing field in many Asian countries, including Malaysia. Yet, no studies have examined the general public’s awareness towards communication disorders and speech-language therapy in Malaysia. A total of 535 respondents completed a questionnaire, using Google form or paper-pencil format, to assess their awareness and attitudes about communication disorders and speech-language therapists. Public awareness towards communication disorders was generally positive, though negative trends were observed for some items related to the speech-language therapy services. Public awareness also differed according to age, education level, and occupation. Specifically, older individuals, individuals with higher levels of education and health professionals tended to have greater exposure to communication disorders and speech-language therapy. Awareness and attitudes towards speech-language therapy and speech-language therapist profession are still developing in Malaysia. We recommend continuous promotion of the profession of speech-language therapist to the public in order to improve community access to our therapy services.

摘要

在包括马来西亚在内的许多亚洲国家，言语治疗是一个不断发展的领域。然而，还没有研究调查马来西亚公众对沟通障碍和言语治疗的认识。共有 535 名受访者使用谷歌表格或纸笔格式填写了一份调查问卷，以评估他们对沟通障碍和言语治疗师的认识和态度。公众对沟通障碍的认识总体上是积极的，但在与言语治疗服务相关的一些项目上观察到了负面趋势。公众意识也因年龄、教育水平和职业而异。具体来说，老年人，受教育程度较高的人和卫生专业人员往往更容易遭受沟通障碍和言语治疗。在马来西亚，人们对言语治疗和言语治疗师职业的认识和态度仍在发展中。我们建议不断向公众推广言语治疗师的专业，以改善社区获得我们治疗服务的机会。