Relationship between severity of dysarthria and quality of life

Objective: To determine the association between dysarthria severity level and quality of life in patients with dysarthria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study using nonprobability convenience sampling recruited 35 diagnosed cases of dysarthria from Riphah Rehabilitation Center and Mayo Hospital Lahore from March to August 2021. The sample included both genders, aged 18-65 years with normal cognitive status. The cases with neurological impairments other than dysarthria and psychiatric problems were excluded. Basic demographic sheet, Robertson Dysarthria Assessment Profile-Revised and Quality of Life in Dysarthria Speakers Questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Partial and Bivariate correlation coefficient was utilized to assess any association. Results: Robertson Dysarthria Assessment Profile-Revised Scale revealed a total mean score of 192.37 +/- 42.33 and Quality of Life in the Dysarthria Speakers Questionnaire revealed a mean score of 73.74 +/- 33.57 with a significantly strong negative linear relationship (r =-.822, p<0.001) between quality of life and the dysarthria severity level. Conclusion: There was a strong inverse relationship between quality of life experienced by the patient and the dysarthria severity level.