Speech Language Pathologist’s Knowledge of Genetics – An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels about genetics among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in India; and further to identify the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was implemented to carry out an email-based survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels about genetics among SLP’s in India. Results: Responses from 121 SLP’s working with pediatric population were analyzed. Results suggested that 70.3% of responses were correct for the genetic knowledge based questions. The confidence levels and attitudes were in the medium categories. The primary sources of learning were from school lesson as reported by the professionals. There existed a positive correlation between knowledge index and the mean attitude and confidence levels. Conclusion: The findings of the present study add valuable information to international literature and provides suggestions towards increasing more topics related genetics into the curricula.