Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Speech and Language Rehabilitation Among Family Members of Patients with Post-Stroke Aphasia in Inner Mongolia.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding speech and language rehabilitation among family members of patients with post-stroke aphasia in Inner Mongolia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from October 20, 2025 to November 16, 2025. Family members of patients with post-stroke aphasia were surveyed using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed through expert consultation and pilot testing. The questionnaire collected demographic characteristics and assessed three dimensions: knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to speech and language rehabilitation.

RESULTS

A total of 489 participants were included. Most participants were female, with a mean age of 46.05 years, and were predominantly spouses or adult children of patients. The mean knowledge score was 10.38 ± 5.91 (possible range: 0-18), the mean attitude score was 43.54 ± 4.80 (possible range: 9-60), and the mean practice score was 35.29 ± 6.34 (possible range: 9-45). Spearman correlation analysis showed positive associations between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.231, P < 0.001), knowledge and practices (r = 0.375, P < 0.001), and attitudes and practices (r = 0.400, P < 0.001). Structural equation modeling indicated direct path associations from knowledge to attitudes (β = 0.277, P = 0.008) and practices (β = 0.231, P = 0.012), while attitudes were directly associated with practices (β = 0.401, P = 0.005). An indirect path association from knowledge to practices through attitudes was also observed (β = 0.111, P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge, but generally positive attitudes and practices toward speech and language rehabilitation. Overall, attitudes played a central mediating role between knowledge and rehabilitation practices. Strengthening family-oriented education programs and improving access to professional guidance may enhance effective home-based speech and language rehabilitation for patients with post-stroke aphasia.