Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) towards Mild cognitive impairment: insights from Indian SLPs with cross-national comparisons to SLPs in the United States

Abstract

Background Given the rising global prevalence of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease, early detection at the stage of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) has become increasingly critical. In countries like the United States (U.S.), speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an essential role in early risk identification and cognitive management of MCI. However, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) patterns among Indian SLPs remain underexplored in this context. It would also be of great interest to examine whether the KAP patterns of Indian SLPs regarding MCI differ from those of their U.S. counterparts, given the influence of cultural and healthcare diversities. Investigating such differences could provide valuable insights into cross-national practices, which in turn could inform the development of international guidelines for cognitive communicative services by SLPs delivering clinical care to older adults at-risk for dementia.

Aim The study aimed to investigate the KAP of SLPs in India regarding MCI diagnosis and treatment and compared these findings with trends among SLPs in the U.S.

Methods & Procedures A cross-sectional study employing purposive sampling was conducted. The questionnaire, adapted from a U.S. based survey by Lanzi et al. (2022), assessed Indian SLPs’ KAP related to MCI across three sections: demographics; knowledge and attitude; and clinical practice. Qualitative and quantitative analyses explored KAP patterns among Indian SLPs and then compared the results with the original American survey to examine potential culture-specific differences.

Outcomes & Results Results from 94 SLPs revealed a discrepancy between knowledge and practices concerning MCI, specifically in subtypes, diagnostic criteria, and the tools used for assessment and treatment. Notable differences were observed between Indian and American SLPs, especially in assessing activities of daily living and using compensatory strategies for assessment, intervention, and goal setting.

Conclusions The findings shed light on the current KAP patterns of Indian SLPs regarding MCI, identifying areas for improvement through targeted education and training. Furthermore, the cross-national comparison underscores the need for culturally sensitive, contextually relevant cognitive-communication interventions to improve the MCI management through collaboratively developed, evidence-based, culturally informed tools.