Spatial distribution and the prevalence of speech disorders in the provinces of Iran

Objective: To identify the spatial distribution and prevalence of speech disorder in Iran. Materials and methods: First, the prevalence of speech disorder in 2006 and 2011 was mapped via GIS for each province. Moreover, the prevalence of this disorder was calculated and classified according to age, sex, and residential area. Results: The prevalence in the majority of provinces indicated an overall decrease. Furthermore, its prevalence among the whole population of Iran in 2006 and 2011 was 2.2 and 2 per 1000 people, respectively. The highest prevalence was observed among people aged 75 years and older. Results showed that speech disorders are more prevalent among men compared to women and also among rural residents compared to those in urban areas. Conclusion: It is necessary to identify the high-risk areas in order to well organize the limited facilities to meet the actual needs of patients with speech disorder.