Communication Disorders among Children in a Developing Country, Nigeria

Background: Communication disorders in children are an invisible disability posing challenges to otorhinolaryngologist in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, sociodemographic features, aetiology, types of communication disorders among under 18 years children attending our facility. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in ear, nose and throat department in a Nigerian university teaching hospital, from June 2014 to May 2019. Data were obtained by using pretested interviewers assisted questionnaires from consented patients and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Prevalence of communication disorder was 16.1%. Male was 68.2% with male to female ratio of 2.1:1. Communication disorder is commoner in first child 58.1% and detected by mother in 70.5% cases. Major cause was due to infection in 68.2%. Large percentage of communication disorder were language disorder in 60.8% and speech disorders which constitute 39.2% with associated varying degrees of hearing impairment in 78.8% of them. Sensorineural hearing impairment was noted in 69.6% cases. Language disorders were delayed speech & language, mutism and specific language impairment in 22.6%, 16.6% and 14.7% respectively. Major speech disorder was articulation problem in 15.7%. Main sources of referral were 52.5% from paediatrician while 30.9% was from general practitioners. Conclusions: There was high prevalence of communication disorder which was associated with high prevalence of hearing impairment. The major causes were infection with inadequate obstetrics management.