Parental Knowledge of Child Speech and Language Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Associated Factors.

FARHAN AL-HAMADI, Bsc.*; ABDULELAH AL-MARZOOQ, Bsc.*; NAIF AL-OTAIBI, Bsc.*;, AMEN A. BAWAZIR, Ph.D.*; NADA A.M. ALSARI, Ph.D.**; NAWAF A-LRASHEEDI, Bsc.*;; HUSSIAN AL-MUBARAK, Bsc.* And MOHAMMED BAHAMDAN, Bsc.*, TURKI AL-ANAZI, Bsc.*; EID AL-OTAIBI, Bsc.*; WALEED AL-BANNA, Bsc.*;

doi:10.21608/mjcu.2025.444596

Parental Knowledge of Child Speech and Language Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Associated Factors.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

AMEN A. BAWAZIR, Ph.D.*; NADA A.M. ALSARI, Ph.D.**; NAWAF A-LRASHEEDI, Bsc.*; FARHAN AL-HAMADI, Bsc.*; ABDULELAH AL-MARZOOQ, Bsc.*; NAIF AL-OTAIBI, Bsc.*;
TURKI AL-ANAZI, Bsc.*; EID AL-OTAIBI, Bsc.*; WALEED AL-BANNA, Bsc.*; HUSSIAN AL-MUBARAK, Bsc.* and MOHAMMED BAHAMDAN, Bsc.*

Community Medicine Unit, Basic Medical Science Department*, College of Medicine, Al-Maarefa University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia and Rehabilitation Sciences Department**, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/mjcu.2025.444596

Abstract

Background: Parental awareness of speech and language development is essential for early detection and intervention of communication disorders. Inadequate knowledge can delay di-agnosis and access to necessary support services. Aim of Study: The current study examines parents’ knowl-edge of child speech and language development, along with their understanding of related disorders. It also explores various factors influencing these disorders among families in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional study, it included 555 families with children between the ages of 1 and 6 years. Data was gathered from different community settings to ensure a diverse representation of participants. Results: The findings revealed that 54.2% of parents had limited awareness of speech and language delays, indicating a widespread knowledge gap. A significant relationship was found between a child’s age and parental perception, with par-ents of older children (5–6 years) being more likely to recognize speech issues (p=0.002). Additionally, higher family income was strongly associated with greater awareness (p=0.007). Conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of im-plementing targeted educational programs to improve parental understanding, promote early intervention, and enhance chil-dren’s speech and language development outcomes.

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