What is aphasia? Results of an international survey

Abstract

Background: Although the literature implies that there is limited public awareness of aphasia, direct data have been lacking. Aims: Therefore, a survey was undertaken to sample public awareness of aphasia. Methods & procedures: A face-to-face survey of individuals in public places in England, the USA, and Australia was undertaken. A total of 978 individuals were surveyed. Data were analysed to determine the number of informants who had "heard of aphasia" and the number with "basic knowledge of aphasia". In addition, characteristics of informants were analysed. Outcomes & results: Of the individuals surveyed, 133 said they had heard of aphasia (13.6%), but only 53 (5.4%) met the criterion of having "basic knowledge of aphasia". Conclusions: These findings lend support to the notion that the public lacks awareness or understanding of aphasia. As public awareness can affect funding, quality of services, and public acceptance of individuals with a disorder, public awareness and advocacy campaigns are needed.