Demographic Influences on Awareness of Speech-Language Pathology Services in the U.S.
Phil Weir-Mayta, Joshua AyalaIntroduction
Public awareness of speech-language pathology services is essential for the early identification and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Although previous studies have reported limited public awareness of speech-language pathology services, few studies have examined how awareness varies across demographic groups within the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine public awareness of speech-language pathology services and determine whether awareness differed according to race and ethnicity, education level, age, and gender identity.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was administered to adults residing in the United States using CloudResearch and Qualtrics. A total of 471 participants completed the survey. Questions examined awareness of speech-language pathology services, populations and conditions treated by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), likelihood of seeking services, and sources of information regarding the profession. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted to evaluate differences across demographic groups.
Results
Most participants reported prior awareness of speech-language pathology services. Significant differences were observed across education levels, with participants reporting higher educational attainment generally demonstrating greater awareness of speech-language pathology services. Age-related differences were identified in sources of information, with younger adults more likely to report media and internet-based sources and older adults more likely to report interpersonal or experiential sources. Gender differences were observed in perceptions of populations and conditions served by SLPs. No statistically significant differences were identified in overall awareness across racial and ethnic groups.
Conclusion
Public awareness of speech-language pathology services appears to be improving but remains uneven across demographic groups. Findings suggest that education level, age, and gender may influence awareness through differences in health literacy, access to healthcare information, and exposure to healthcare systems. Targeted public health outreach efforts may improve awareness and support equitable access to speech-language pathology services.