Medical Speech-Language Pathology in Bulgaria – a Comparative Study of the Current Status and Development

Introduction: The complexity of ever-changing health standards, new health policies, changes in the healthcare environment, necessitates an advanced level of professional expertise in Medical Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP). Objective: This study presents the current status, opportunities, and perspectives for the development of MSLP in Bulgaria. Method Theoretical overview and comparative analysis of the data and literature on MSLP as it exists in the USA and is developing in Bulgaria, where it is most often referred to as Clinical Logopedics. In this article, we present: (i) a comparative analysis of the development of this dynamic, expanding, and continuously developing health profession in the USA (the country with the most innovative and highly evolved practice of MSLP) and Bulgaria; (ii) brief historical notes related to the development of Speech-Language Pathology in the United States and Bulgaria; (iii) the scope of practice of MSLP in the USA and Bulgaria, which is a key problem for the prospects for the development of this specialty in Bulgaria, and (iv) the problems associated with establishing a master’s degree program in MSLP. Conclusion: MSLP has perspective for development in Bulgaria only if it is studied as a health specialty within medical or health faculties, but necessarily housed within a medical university. A clear understanding of the scope of practice is fundamental for the development of MSLP, but it should not overlap the purview of other professions. The MSLP master’s program should be innovative, manageable, and comprehensive, providing for a wide range of specialized clinical experiences that prepare students to practice effectively in a medical environment.

The Prevalence of Risky Behaviours in Traffic that can Lead to Traumatic Brain

Introduction: Traffic accidents are a common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries are often associated with problematic behaviour i.e., violations of the Traffic Safety Act. Driving under the influence of intoxicants and non-compliance with traffic signals often cause traffic accidents, and not wearing a crash helmet or not wearing a protective seat belt increase the possibility of developing a traumatic brain injury. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of risky behaviours in traffic that can lead to traumatic brain injury and to examine differences according to gender. It is assumed that the most common risky behaviour is failure to wear a crash helmet and that the male participants will show a higher prevalence of risky behaviour compared to women. Methods: The measuring instrument is a questionnaire consisting of nine statements. The questionnaire was filled out by a sample of 302 people in Croatia. The IBM SPSS Statistics 22 program was used for data processing. The prevalence of risky behaviours was expressed in percentages, and the Pearson’s Chi-Square was used to examine the differences between male and female participants. Results: The results show that risky behaviours in traffic are present, especially not wearing a crash helmet while riding a bicycle, running across the road on a red light, and not wearing a seat belt in a car whilst sitting in the back seat. The male participants showed a higher prevalence of risky behaviour compared to women. Conclusion: To reduce the number of traffic accidents that can lead to traumatic brain injury, it is important to act on risky behaviours in traffic. Public health policies and legislation are one way of prevention. In addition, it is important to inform, educate and raise public awareness about this global problem. In order to implement the necessary preventative measures, one should be aware of the prevalence of the risky behaviours in traffic that can lead to traumatic brain injury and of the groups that are more willing to take risks in traffic.

Sleeping Patterns in Children with Developmental Disabilities

ntroduction: Sleep is one of the most important components of overall health. Children with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk of having sleep problems. Purpose: The goal of the present study is to compare sleep patterns of children with developmental disabilities with those of typically developing children. In particular, we examined whether children with an intellectual disability (ID), children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children differ in sleep duration, number of night’s waking, screen time (time spent on smartphones, tablets, TV), and outdoor activities. Methods: The sample for this study consisted of 114 children (34 children with ASD, 40 children with ID and 40 typically developing children) aged 2 to 14 years (mean age= 6.4 years, SD = 3.0). Information on children’s sleep patterns was obtained through an online survey completed by the parents of the children. We also collected information regarding the strategies parents use to settle their children for sleep, as well as information regarding screen time and outdoor activities. Results: The results of this study indicate that sleep duration was shortest for children with ID and longest for children without developmental disabilities. Another finding in this study is that screen time and not the outdoor activities was associated with sleep duration. Children with ASD were more likely to use melatonin to fall asleep, while the children with ID were more likely to use medications. Conclusion: Children with ID have shorter sleep duration than children with ASD and typically developing children. Parents have several cognitive and behavioural strategies at their disposal to improve their children’s sleep.