Clinic-Based Prevalence of Speech and Language Disorders Among Preschoolers: Implications for Pediatric Developmental Screening in Ghana
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Purpose
This exploratory study examines the clinic-based prevalence and types of speech and language challenges among preschoolers referred by physicians to the speech-language therapy clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra. It also explores the associations between preschoolers’ gender, age, and stuttering and highlights implications for pediatric development care.
Method
This retrospective descriptive study reviewed clinical records of preschoolers referred to the speech and language therapy unit of the KBTH. Data were extracted on age, gender, diagnosis, and referral source. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and distribution of speech and language difficulties, and associations between demographic characteristics and disorder type were explored.
Results
Of the children referred, the majority were males, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1. The most common diagnoses were speech and language delay (87.7%), followed by stuttering (4.5%), receptive language disorder (2.6%), expressive language disorder (1.9%), articulation disorders (1.3%), and speech sound disorders (0.6%). Developmental delay was the most common medical diagnosis (48.7%). A substantial proportion of cases involved children aged 2–3 years, indicating referrals within the critical developmental window for early intervention.
Conclusion
Speech and language delay was the most common communication disorder, while developmental delay was the most frequent medical condition among preschoolers referred for therapy. Findings highlight the need for increased awareness among physicians and primary care providers regarding early communication screening and referral. Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration and integrating speech-language assessment into routine child health services could enhance early detection and intervention for communication disorders in Ghana and similar low-resource contexts.
