The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in Swallowing Treatment of Individuals with HIV/AIDS

<p>The role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia in individuals living with HIV/AIDS is relatively absent from the literature. Dysphagia is described as difficulty swallowing that can be caused by oral indicators, structural dysfunction, and neurological disease (Bladon & Ross, 2007; Bobba et al., 2007; Nkuize et al., 2010). Dysphagia is a prevalent symptom secondary to the HIV/AIDS virus, yet dysphagia in the HIV/AIDS population often goes untreated (Bladon & Ross, 2007). One way to improve assessment and treatment of dysphagia is to ensure medical professionals are knowledgeable of the communication and swallowing disorders that can occur in this population. There is an increasing demand for the professional services of SLPs in the clinical assessment and treatment of individuals with dysphagia secondary to HIV/AIDS. </p> <p>A survey design for the current study examined trends, attitudes, and opinions of individuals living with HIV/AIDS by studying a sample of that population (Creswell, 2009). The design allowed a web-based survey to be available to individuals living with HIV/AIDS while maintaining anonymity of the participants. </p> <p>Twenty-one individuals living with HIV/AIDS responded to this survey. All participants reported experiencing at least one symptom related to dysphagia. Eight participants indicated receiving services from an SLP for dysphagia symptoms. Overall, results from the current study suggest SLPs are not involved in the care of individuals with dysphagia symptoms secondary to HIV/AIDS. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2015

Author dc:creator

• Warner, Sarah Lynn

• AIDS
• Assessment
• Dysphagia
• HIV
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Treatment
• Medical Education
• Speech Pathology and Audiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Sarah Lynn Warner

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/326

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1324