Exploring speech delay in Bangladeshi children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on speech delay in Bangladeshi children is explored in this qualitative study. The researcher investigated the factors, nature of speech delays, and parental perceptions and experiences through in-depth interviews with parents of five Bangladeshi children with speech delays as well as direct observation of the kids. The parents of the children took semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions and the children with speech delay were observed by the researcher 2 hours a week for a month to observe their current development. The data was collected through audio recordings. This study adapts a conceptual framework following the bioecological model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1992, 2001; Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 1998). The results show a complex interplay of factors that contribute to speech delays, including fewer social interactions, more screen time, and restricted access to early intervention services. There were several kinds of speech delays seen, from articulation issues to expressive language delays. Parents emphasised the emotional effects of speech delay on their children while also expressing a strong desire for information and facing financial limitations. These results highlight the importance of targeted interventions, early detection, and support systems in addressing speech delays. This study offers insightful information for parents, teachers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, laying the groundwork for addressing speech delay in Bangladesh's changing sociocultural environment.