Prevalence of communication disorders in a group of islands in India

Abstract

Background :Lakshadweep is a union territory of India which is a socially and geographically secluded part from the main land giving rise to increased inbreeding; one of the causes for the communication disorders. Information about prevalence of communication disorders is essential for the prevention, policy decision making and providing effective rehabilitation services. The study was conducted as a part of fieldwork by staff and students of the AIISH to estimate the prevalence of communication disorders in Lakshadweep.Method:A door to door survey was conducted in 5 islands (surveyed population: 22,558) of Lakshadweep to identify the population at risk for communication disorders. Those who were at risk were screened to identify the same in the second phase. Screening was conducted in camps held at three islands. The prevalence of communication disorders was then estimated for the at-risk population.Results:The percentage of individuals who were at-risk of communication disorders as estimated from the survey data was found to be 3.63%. Among those who appeared for the screening camp 42.64% of individuals were found to have ear related problems and 57.36% individuals had speech–language disorders. Also, males had higher prevalence of ear related (53.77% against 46.23%) and speech language related problems (60.29% against 39.71%).Conclusions:The prevalence of hearing loss was lesser and the prevalence of speech–language disorders higher compared to the mainland. Among the communication disorders, speech and language disorders were more prevalent. Males were more prone to the communication disorders than females.