Public awareness of speech - language pathology and audiology: A pilot study in Jordan

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Published May 5, 2022
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Vol. 100 No. 5 (2022): Issue Mai 2022

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Abdel-Halim Al Rjoob
Khalid Al Rjoob
Bassam Amjed Kharraz

Abstract

Background: Public awareness about speech-language pathology (SLP) and audiology professions in Jordan is currently unclear.

Aim: To investigate public awareness of SLP and audiology professions in Jordan.

Methods: A total of 2640 participants took part in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was shared and posted on social media (Twitter,
Facebook, and WhatsApp). The questionnaire consisted of three parts: demographics, experience with communication and hearing disorders,
and SLP and audiology knowledge.

Results: Most participants (69.3%) were residents of major Jordanian cities (Amman, Irbid, and Al-Zarqa). Moreover, about a third of
participants (32.8%) were employees in health fields. Most participants (70%) reported that the main area of working for speech pathologists
(SLPs) and audiologists is private clinics; about 80% indicated audiologists diagnose the severity of hearing loss, and SLPs improve persons’
speech. Participants working in health fields were more aware than participants working in other areas (P < 0.05)

Conclusion: Findings indicated that the levels of public awareness of different aspects of SLP and audiology professions in Jordan are not
high. Thus, there is a need to raise public awareness of speech-language pathology and audiology professions through various available ways.


Keywords:

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