ABSTRACT:

Background: In the acute stroke population, within the private sector, there is a lack of research regarding speech therapy services , the quality of these services and the outcomes of intervention.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the association between speech, language and swallowing conditions and outcomes post stroke.

Method: To determine the incidence of speech, language and swallowing conditions post stroke a prospective design was utilized. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Various statistical tests were applied.

Results: in 88% of cases speech, language and swallowing conditions were evident post-stroke. Further findings indicated that patients who were referred for speech therapy within 24 hours of admissions stayed in hospital for a shorter length of time than those who were referred later than 24 hours. The correlation between physical disability and dysphagia was investigated. Results indicated that dysphagia was connected to moderate to severe  physical disability and that when dysphagia was accompanied by aspiration it was associated with a level of oral intake that was poor at the time of discharge and admission. There was a significant correlation between aspiration pneumonia and severe physical disability when patients were discharged.

Conclusion: There was a strong correlation between dysphagia , physical disability and reduced oral intake. Post-stroke swallowing conditions as well as speech and language conditions were evident in patients being treated in the private sector in South Africa.

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