Browsing by Author "Muchene, Salome M."

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    Perspectives of Aphasia Patients and Caregivers on Effectiveness of Speech Therapy in Enhancing Communication Skills in Nairobi City County, Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2024-10) Muchene, Salome M.
    The purpose of this study was to assess the perspectives of aphasia patients and their caregivers on the effectiveness of speech therapy in enhancing communication skills in Nairobi City County. The study sought to: determine the extent of satisfaction of aphasia patients and their caregivers with speech therapy in enhancing communication, ascertain the perceptions of aphasia patients and their caregivers on the quality of speech therapy services in Nairobi County, explore caregivers' views on their involvement in speech therapy delivery, and establish the views of aphasia patients and their caregivers on the intervention strategies applied to enhance their communication. The study was guided by Higgins' discrepancy theory and Schaffer's fulfillment theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design, focusing on aphasia patients and their caregivers, as well as speech therapists in Nairobi County. Purposive sampling technique was employed in selection of study participants. A pilot study was carried out at a Hospital in Nairobi City to determine the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Data was collected via the administration of questionnaires to the patients and caregivers, and interview guides were used for the speech therapists. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the collected data. The study findings show that more than a half of the respondents were positive about the role played by speech therapy in enhancing communication after brain damage. Those caregivers got involved in speech and language therapy; in some cases after initiative from the therapists. Strategies used were found to be always personalized and are focused on the patient’s immediate needs. Similarly, therapy objectives are also always typically customized to a patient’s needs; hence speech therapy may differ from patient to patient depending on the degree of aphasia. The study suggests that the Ministry of Health and similar organizations should increase awareness of the importance of speech therapy for communication issues caused by brain damage. Moreover, caregivers should be empowered by providing them with understanding, resources, and consideration of their needs, thereby making them essential partners in the speech therapy process for individuals with aphasia.