Public knowledge about aphasia: A survey with comparative data

Background: Five years ago, public awareness of aphasia was low (Simmons Mackie, Code, Armstrong, Stiegler, Elman, 2002). This created problems for those affected by the condition and may have impacted on service provision (Elman, Ogar, Elman, 2000). Aims: This study aimed to explore current public knowledge of aphasia and a comparator neurological condition (Parkinson's disease). It also investigated respondents' sources of information and whether demographic factors affected knowledge. Methods and Procedures: A brief factual questionnaire was administered to 100 members of the general public and 26 friends and relatives of people with aphasia. This explored knowledge of diagnostic terms, causes, and symptoms. It also asked respondents how they had gained their knowledge and collected basic demographic details. Outcomes and Results: Knowledge about aphasia was low and significantly less than knowledge about Parkinson's disease. Carers scored significantly higher than the general public on aphasia, although their scores for aphasia were no higher than their scores for Parkinson's disease. Respondents gained their knowledge mainly through the media and personal connections. There was evidence that ethnicity may affect knowledge. Conclusions: Although data were collected from only two locations, the results of this survey suggest that work is still needed to improve public awareness of aphasia. Reasons and implications are discussed.