Caregivers’ Involvement in Intervention Programs for Children with Speech and Language Disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish caregivers’ involvement intervention programs for children with speech and language disorders in Tenwek Hospital, Bomet County. The objectives of the study sought to investigate caregivers’ awareness of speech and language disorders intervention for children with speech and language disorders; to establish the extent of caregivers’ involvement in intervention program for children with speech and language disorders; to find out the barriers to caregivers’ involvement in intervention program for children with speech and language disorders and also to establish caregivers’ needs for involvement in intervention program for children with speech and language disorders. The study was guided by Normalization Process Theory by May, (2006).The study adopted a case study research design. The study used accessible population of 62 respondents comprising of caregivers and two Tenwek outpatient clinic therapists in Bomet County. The study employed purposive sampling technique and utilised all the accessible population. The instruments’ validity was verified and reliability tested through piloting. The pilot study used one therapist purposively selected and six randomly selected caregivers. Sixty (60) caregivers and two therapists formed the study population. Data was collected by administering questionnaires to the caregivers and interview guides to therapists. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics in form of frequency counts, percentages and tables with the aid of SPSS computer program while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that despite caregivers’ awareness of their children’s disorder, majority were not conversant with the cause and treatment of the disorder. Caregivers were involved in the intervention mainly by attending therapy appointments, communicating with staff in decision making and parent-child therapy. Caregivers were mostly barred from effective involvement by financial constraints and other children in the household. Though they were satisfied with the rehabilitation process, they mostly needed financial empowerment and capacity building. In conclusion, caregiver empowerment and participation need to become integral components of early intervention services for young children with speech and language disorders. Caregivers’ individual needs should be considered and adequate support given by clinician. The study recommends need for more public sensitization on the cause, signs, prevention mechanisms and best therapy treatment programs available for children with speech and language disorders