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Objective <p>This study examines societal awareness levels, service access barriers, and policy gaps regarding speech and language disorders (SLD) after the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, utilizing a mixed-methods approach.</p> Methods <p>An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. A quantitative survey was conducted with 450 participants via stratified cluster sampling across four severely affected provinces. This was followed by qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 participants selected through purposive maximum variation sampling, using a semi-structured interview guide informed by the quantitative findings.</p> Results <p>59.3% of participants observed at least one SLD symptom in their families, yet only 19.5% received a formal diagnosis and 14.2% consulted a speech-language therapist. The mean awareness score was 41.2/75. Significant predictors of awareness included educational attainment (β = 0.312), presence of SLD symptoms (β = 0.241), and loss of a close relative (β = 0.211). Qualitative themes highlighted fear of stigmatization, lack of service awareness, prioritization issues, and weak system coordination.</p> Conclusion <p>A critical service gap exists in post-disaster SLD care in Türkiye. The findings suggest that the integration of SLD screening into disaster response systems, the strengthening of tele-therapy infrastructure, and the implementation of targeted community awareness initiatives may help improve access to speech–language services in post-disaster contexts.</p>

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A mixed-methods study on speech and language disorders after the earthquake in Türkiye: awareness, service gaps, and lived experiences

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月3日

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  • Agit Şimşek,
  • Tuba Kaya

摘要

Objective

This study examines societal awareness levels, service access barriers, and policy gaps regarding speech and language disorders (SLD) after the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, utilizing a mixed-methods approach.

Methods

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. A quantitative survey was conducted with 450 participants via stratified cluster sampling across four severely affected provinces. This was followed by qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 participants selected through purposive maximum variation sampling, using a semi-structured interview guide informed by the quantitative findings.

Results

59.3% of participants observed at least one SLD symptom in their families, yet only 19.5% received a formal diagnosis and 14.2% consulted a speech-language therapist. The mean awareness score was 41.2/75. Significant predictors of awareness included educational attainment (β = 0.312), presence of SLD symptoms (β = 0.241), and loss of a close relative (β = 0.211). Qualitative themes highlighted fear of stigmatization, lack of service awareness, prioritization issues, and weak system coordination.

Conclusion

A critical service gap exists in post-disaster SLD care in Türkiye. The findings suggest that the integration of SLD screening into disaster response systems, the strengthening of tele-therapy infrastructure, and the implementation of targeted community awareness initiatives may help improve access to speech–language services in post-disaster contexts.