Article

In Western countries, progress has lessened the severity of numerous sequels of
verbal communication disorders (VCD). For Africa and more particularly Benin, few
data on the subject are presently available. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the occurrence
and development of post-stroke VCD in Benin. METHOD: A retrospective, descriptive
and analytical study focused on 563 post-stroke patients treated in
rehabilitation department of the National university hospital of Cotonou (CNHU)
from January 2006 through December 2010. RESULTS: VCD prevalence was 42.10%.
Average age was 57.17 +/- 12.62 years, sex ratio was 1.75, and 74.69% were
right-handed. VCD affected oral expression (95.78%), written expression (2.11%),
oral comprehension (13.08%) and written comprehension or reading (0.84%). Type of
stroke, sex and age had no impact on VCD occurrence following stroke. Only 5.91%
of the patients underwent speech therapy. Progression was favorable in 21.09% of
the cases studied. CONCLUSION: In Benin, post-stroke VCD is exceedingly common
and occasions major social difficulties. Prevalence of VCD in a predominantly
oral culture underscores the need for speech therapists to develop a more broadly
ecological approach toward treatment.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS