http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/11 2026-11-02T09:28:21Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1385 Cross-cultural adaptation & validation of quick aphasia battery (QAB) into BANGLA Afroza, Most. Aphasia, a significant communication disorder following stroke, affects a large portion of stroke survivors globally, including in Bangladesh. However, there is a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate tools for assessing aphasia in Bangladeshi patients, which creates challenges in diagnosis and treatment planning. This study focuses on the cross-cultural adaptation and linguistic validation of the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB) for Bangla-speaking post-stroke aphasia patients. The research follows a rigorous, multi-stage process including forward translation, back translation, harmonization, pre-testing, field-testing, and psychometric validation. The process ensured that the adapted version maintained the integrity of the original tool while considering the linguistic and cultural context of Bangladesh. Results from the validation process indicate that the Bangla version of the QAB demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.874), making it a reliable and efficient tool for aphasia assessment in acute stroke patients. This adaptation fills a crucial gap in the assessment of aphasia in Bangladesh and offers a robust tool for clinicians and researchers in the field of neurorehabilitation. The study’s findings have broader implications, not only for improving aphasia assessment in Bangladesh but also for other non-western countries facing similar challenges in adapting diagnostic tools to local languages and cultures. Key Words: Adaptation, Validation, QAB, Stroke, Aphasia This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2026-02-12T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1384 Beliefs and self-efficacy of parents of young children with hearing loss in Bangladesh Risad, Shahriar Hossain The aim of this research was to measure parental beliefs and self-efficacy as well as exploring the associations between them and hearing device use in parents of young deaf children in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional research was conducted among 135 parents of hearing-impaired children at SAHIC and HI Care Hearing Centre in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The Scale of Parent Involvement and Self-Efficacy–Revised (SPISE R) was employed to gather data. Results showed that the majority of parents had strong beliefs (55.6%), strong knowledge (63.0%), high confidence level (60.0%) and took action interested in their child’s hearing loss and intervention selg,59,3%). Parents with greater belief, knowledge, confidence and action reported more frequent and consistent daily hearing device use. Overall, female parents reported higher levels of belief and self-efficacy than male parents. Parents of children who were cochlear implant users, born with severe to profound hearing loss, or used their hearing devices for a longer duration also presented with greater parental belief and confidence. The results suggest that parental beliefs and self-efficacy are positively related to consistently using hearing devices, critical for optimal speech and language development. Such findings suggest the importance of family-focused early intervention programs that enhance parental confidence and knowledge about their child, as well as increasing parents' involvement. Collaborations between Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), audiologists, early intervention practitioners and parents are needed to integrate culturally responsive interventions for hearing-impaired children in Bangladesh. Keywords: Parental Beliefs, Parental Self-Efficacy, Hearing Loss, Hearing Devices, Early Intervention, Speech and Language Therapy. This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2026-02-12T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1383 Role of special education institute in the rehabilitation of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as perceived by parents Vasany, Rejoyanul Haque ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of communicative, social, and behavioral skills and needs multidisciplinary and comprehensive rehabilitation interventions. Special Education Institutes (SEIs) serve a crucial role in delivering early intervention, therapeutic, and academic support for ASD children. This paper set out to investigate the opinions that parents had on the importance of special education institutes as far as the rehabilitation of students with ASD in Bangladesh was concerned. Concurrent research design in the form of a mixed-method research was adopted. The quantitative section involved 130 parents of ASD children who were attending special education institutes within Dhaka and this was determined by purposive sampling. The data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and processed with the descriptive statistics of SPSS version 27. The qualitative segment comprised 12 parental participants; a thematic analysis was employed for understanding parents' experiences, challenges, and expectations. Quantitative data indicated extensive agreement among parents concerning the efficacy of the early intervention services (overall mean = 4.36), speech & language therapy services (overall mean = 4.12), and educational support services (overall mean = 4.27). Parents saw these services to be useful in enhancing communication, behavior and general development of children. The qualitative results revealed six key themes such as emotional experiences of parents, rehabilitation services delivered by the institute, support and communication between parents and professionals, challenges faced by parents, understanding and involvement in therapy plans and lastly parents’ expectations and recommendations. Parents also reported that their children improved significantly although some challenges were also present including the cost burden, the lack of information, and the need to provide more personalized and multidisciplinary services. Key Words: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Special Education Institute, Rehabilitation, Parental perception, Speech & Language Therapy This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2026-02-12T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/1382 Exploring the potential factors contributing to the delay in referral of children with speech & language disorders for rehabilitation services: perspectives of parents & speech and language therapists Zaman, Maliha Speech and language development is a very complicated function of the brain that has developed in humans. However, many parents cannot access timely therapy because of delayed referrals. Early identification and intervention are important to minimize the communication problems of children. This study’s purpose is to explore the factors contributing to delays in the referral of children with speech and language disorders for rehabilitation services in Bangladesh from the perspectives of parents and speech and language therapists (SLTs). A qualitative research method was used including 8 parents of children diagnosed with speech and language disorders and 8 Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). Data was conducted through semi-structured interviews from the experiences and perspectives of both parents and SLTs regarding delayed referrals. Data analysis identified five key themes from the interviews of SLTs and four themes from the parents’ interviews. From the interviews of two groups, most of themes overlapped which show common perspectives on delayed referral factors. These included parents' lack of awareness of the initial signs of speech and language difficulties, misconceptions about typical developmental milestones, and dependance on family reassurance. Socio-cultural norms, financial constraints and poor access to health facilities led to delays in early referrals. Weak referral systems and lack of professional’s skills were identified as major obstacles to speech & language therapy. The results emphasize the need for increased public awareness in educating parents and health personnel about effective referral system, easy access to the services and removal of socio-cultural barriers to early service provision. Collaboration among doctors, therapists, and educators is crucial for developing referral systems and service delivery. Keywords: Delay in Referral, Children with Speech and Language Disorders, Potential Factors, Rehabilitation Services, Perspectives, Parents, Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Therapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 2026-02-12T00:00:00Z