Communication difficulties in patients with motor speech disorders as a result of stroke on Neurology Unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To find out the communication difficulties faced by patients with motor speech disorders as a result of stroke on Neurology unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital. Method A cross sectional descriptive study design that was carried out at Mulago National Referral Hospital Neurology Unit with a total of 26 participants under study using questionnaires A random sampling technique was used. Conclusion This study investigated the prevalence and impact of motor speech disorders in a cohort of participants. The analysis revealed that: 1. Middle-aged adults (48-57 years) were the most represented age group in the cohort. 2. Dysarthria and apraxia of speech were both present in the cohort, with indicators such as oral motor weakness, articulation errors, omission of sounds, and substitution of sounds. 3. Motor speech disorders had a significant impact on participation and activity, particularly in expressing emotions, communicating needs, being understood by others, and participating in meaningful conversations.