Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
International priorities for a unified aphasia awareness campaign: a nominal group technique study across five countries. |
| Authors: |
Bennington, Claire (AUTHOR), Isaksen, Jytte (AUTHOR), Shiggins, Ciara (AUTHOR), Beesley, Emma (AUTHOR), Beesley, Kim (AUTHOR), Simmons-Mackie, Nina (AUTHOR), Worrall, Linda (AUTHOR), Quique, Yina M. (AUTHOR), Aguilar, Oscar (AUTHOR), Guo, Emily (AUTHOR), Wallace, Sarah J. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Disability & Rehabilitation. Jan2026, Vol. 48 Issue 2, p403-423. 21p. |
| Subjects: |
Health literacy, Consensus (Social sciences), Research funding, Focus groups, Qualitative research, Independent living, Content analysis, Rehabilitation, Aphasia, Judgment sampling, Descriptive statistics, International relations, Health promotion, Public health, Social participation |
| Geographic Terms: |
Australia, Denmark, Singapore, United States, Colombia |
| Abstract: |
Purpose: Despite many campaigns over the last two decades, aphasia awareness remains low internationally. To address this issue, we aimed to gain multi-stakeholder consensus on the essential elements of an international aphasia awareness campaign. Materials and methods: Online focus groups using the nominal group technique were conducted in Australia, Colombia, Denmark, Singapore, and the United States of America. Participants were: (1) people living with aphasia (PLWA), and (2) people working with PLWA (workers). Participants generated and ranked essential campaign elements. Priorities were analysed across groups using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Twelve focus groups were held across the five countries and 26 PLWA and 29 workers participated. Collectively, participants prioritised 115 ideas for an international aphasia awareness campaign. "Reintegration of people with aphasia into society" was an essential goal, aligning with the desired outcome that, "one day the world's population will understand aphasia and all people with aphasia will be treated with respect and kindness." There was agreement that campaign messages should include: what aphasia is and how to support communication. Conclusions: Consensus was gained on essential elements for an international aphasia awareness campaign. These will guide the co-design of a future campaign to raise awareness of aphasia globally. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Aphasia, a language impairment and communication disability caused by acquired brain injury, is a common but under recognised condition that impacts relationships, employment, and participation, often leading to isolation and depression. Levels of aphasia awareness are low internationally and increased awareness is needed to facilitate the reintegration of people with aphasia into society and to attract funding for services and research to help address the negative impacts of aphasia. A unified, international aphasia awareness campaign is needed to tackle the pervasive problem of low aphasia awareness globally, and this international study identifies priorities for such a campaign. Increased aphasia awareness is a high priority for people living and working with aphasia to help change attitudes and behaviour towards people with aphasia and improve services for people with aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
