The Perceptions of Speech-Language Therapists Regarding Nutritional Issues in Early Intervention

dc.contributor.advisorLouw, Brenda
dc.contributor.coadvisorKritzinger, Alta M. (Aletta Margaretha)
dc.contributor.postgraduateEvens, Felicity Jane
dc.date.accessioned2015-08-14T06:20:19Z
dc.date.available2015-08-14T06:20:19Z
dc.date.created2002
dc.date.issued2002en_ZA
dc.descriptionDissertation (MCommPath)--University of Pretoria, 2002.en_ZA
dc.description.abstractThe traditional role of speech-language therapists as feeding specialists appears to have focused primarily on the mechanics of feeding disorders, without fully considering the impact of nutritional needs on a child's development and communication. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of a group of speech-language therapists regarding nutritional issues in children requiring feeding therapy or early communication intervention. A qualitative research design was employed in the form of a descriptive survey and a questionnaire was compiled as the data collection instrument. Forty-nine questionnaires were delivered to speech-language therapists within the Johannesburg and Pretoria geographical areas, of which 32 were suitable for analysis. Closed ended questions were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics while responses to open-ended questions were categorized thematically. Results indicated that all respondents came into contact with clients who had, or who were at risk for, feeding disorders and nutritional deficiencies. However, findings revealed that during assessment and treatment of these clients, respondents tended to neglect issues related to nutrition, as well as psychosocial issues pertinent to feeding disorders. Furthermore, respondents appeared not to have fully realized the importance of their role as communication specialists within the feeding context. It was found that the majority of respondents were involved within a multidisciplinary team approach; however, the application of the more effective transdisciplinary approach was limited. This was confirmed by results revealing that collaboration with other professionals, such as dieticians, did not consistently occur. In terms of training, it was evident that respondents received the majority of their training in feeding therapy from continued education, which included aspects of nutrition. However, undergraduate training was perceived as having limitations within the theoretical content as well as practical application, and did not incorporate nutritional aspects. In light of the apparent need for a more holistic view of paediatric clients with feeding disorders, suggestions were made regarding the inclusion of vital nutritional issues and psychosocial factors within training and transdisciplinary service delivery in South Africa. Furthermore, relevant research topics within the field of paediatric feeding were presented. Broadening perspectives by means of holistic research and training may enhance service delivery to children with paediatric feeding disorders.en_ZA
dc.description.availabilityUnrestricteden_ZA
dc.description.degreeMCommPath
dc.description.departmentSpeech-Language Pathology and Audiologyen_ZA
dc.description.librariantm2015en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationEvens, FJ 2002, The Perceptions of Speech-Language Therapists Regarding Nutritional Issues in Early Intervention, MCommPath Dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd <http://hdl.handle.net/2263/49315>en_ZA
dc.identifier.otherA2015en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/49315
dc.language.isoenen_ZA
dc.publisherUniversity of Pretoriaen_ZA
dc.rights© 2015 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.en_ZA
dc.subjectEarly Communication Interventionen_ZA
dc.subjectEarly Interventionen_ZA
dc.subjectFailure to Thriveen_ZA
dc.subjectTransdisciplinary Team Approachen_ZA
dc.subjectSpeechLanguage Therapisten_ZA
dc.subjectNutritional Deficiencyen_ZA
dc.subjectUCTDen_ZA
dc.titleThe Perceptions of Speech-Language Therapists Regarding Nutritional Issues in Early Interventionen_ZA
dc.typeDissertationen_ZA

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