https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127611 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:20:07 GMT 2026-07-12T10:20:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127765 Title: Middle ear conditions in local children with speech and language difficulties Abstract: “Middle ear conditions” (MEC) is an umbrella term for several diseases including Otitis Media (OM) which is the most common childhood infectious disease. MEC might cause conductive hearing loss and speech and language difficulties in children. There are yet no current studies on the impact of MEC on hearing acuity and speech and language on children in the Maltese Islands. The aim for this study was to explore the presence of MEC and hearing loss in local children aged 2;00 – 4;11 years with speech and language difficulties. Children attending speech and language therapy in public or private clinics without other biomedical comorbidities such as autism spectrum disorder and cleft lip and/or palate were included in this study. Children whose caregivers did not give their consent and children with biomedical disorders were excluded from this study. This study adopted a mixed quantitative and qualitative research design. A total of 10 participant’s caregivers were asked to fill in a Parental Questionnaire (Formosa, 2019) and score the Intelligibility in Context Scale (McLeod, Harrison, & McCormack, 2012) during the appointment. An audiological assessment including otoscopy, tympanometry and sound field play audiometry was conducted by a professional audiologist. The participants’ speech and language skills were screened using the Speech and Language Screen (Formosa, 2019) during the appointment. There was no statistical significance between the caregivers’ perception on their child’s speech and language skills when compared to the child’s speech and language screen score respectively. Various error patterns were noted in both participants with and without MEC and with and without hearing loss. A similar study on a larger scale and/or longitudinal study would aid to provide further information on the correlation between speech and language skills and middle ear conditions in local children. This will help to increase awareness about the complications and sequlae that MEC may bring about. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127765 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127764 Title: The SLP’s role in adult palliative dysphagia care : current practice trends in Malta Abstract: The involvement of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in palliative dysphagia care is crucial for maintaining the quality of life (QoL) of adult patients who are receiving palliative care, and are experiencing compromised swallowing. While the significance of the SLP's role in palliative care is widely recognized, several international studies have pointed out barriers to its implementation, particularly in addressing dysphagia management. However, local research in Malta is limited in this regard. A critical review by Azzopardi (2018) established practical guidelines for SLPs delivering palliative dysphagia care in Malta, yet there remains a lack of local scientific investigation into the current implementation of the SLP's role within this context. This study aimed to fill this gap by identifying perceptions regarding role and responsibilities, examining current practices, identifying barriers, and proposing measures for improvement. Through a mixed-method approach, data was collected via an online questionnaire completed by 20 SLPs currently working in palliative dysphagia care locally, along with 3 interviews. Results indicated that SLPs are aware of their role in enhancing quality of life, providing comfort, and ensuring safe swallowing through their management strategies. Despite the absence of local specific codes of practice, SLPs integrate their role as suggested by literature. Nonetheless, the need for clinical guidelines remains valid. Legal barriers were identified as hindering the fulfillment of the SLP's role, as they do not support the necessary shift from traditional care and impede the implementation of evidence-based practices such as comfort-feeding. Overall, there is a consensus among local SLPs regarding the necessity for further enhancement of undergraduate training and the significance of specialized training in the field of adult palliative dysphagia care. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127764 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127763 Title: Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the use of nasogastric tube feeding in Malta Abstract: This research investigates healthcare professionals’ perceptions when working with individuals requiring nasogastric (NG) tube feeding in Malta. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of local healthcare professionals working in the in-patient setting at an acute hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, and a long-term care facility regarding nasogastric tube feeding. This study is a qualitative study and contains a total of 12 participants (Nurses, Doctors, Speech and Language Pathologists, Dietitians and Nutritionists) who were interviewed using a semi-structured interview developed by the researcher based on the literature review. The interviews were conducted online on a one-to-one basis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and interpret the data. Findings indicate that perceptions of NG tube feeding are often agreeable among healthcare professionals, such as its purpose, importance and associated positives and adverse events. However, some views were no synonymous as there were disagreements between some participants, such as some perceive the NG tube as invasive while others do not, and some advocate for using the NG tube sooner rather than later as a preventative technique while others advise for it to be used as a last resort. Results also show that participants often seek input from various healthcare professionals, which indicates the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to NG tube cases. Clinical implications and recommendations were also discussed at the end of this research based on the participants' suggestions, including the requirement for further in-depth training and changes to clinical practice regarding the use of nasogastric tube feeding in Malta. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127763 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127761 Title: The perception of state school teachers on the effects of occupational noise exposure on their health Abstract: There is limited local research which addresses the effects of occupational noise on teachers. However, foreign literature indicates that noise levels in schools is higher than recommended by the WHO, and this leads to difficulties in hearing, and vocal misuse, amongst other health consequences. This study aims to identify the perception of state school teachers in Malta regarding the effects of occupational noise exposure on their health. This study included 77 teachers from kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools located in 4 different regions in the Maltese island. A self-developed questionnaire was disseminated to them which included questions related to their perception of occupational noise on their health. Furthermore, a sound level meter was used to measure noise levels in different areas of the participating schools. Findings from this study indicate that the noise levels present in the participating schools lead to teachers raising their voice to an uncomfortable level to be heard by the students, increased irritability, decreased concentration and negative effects on mood. Furthermore, noise levels in schools and classrooms were highest in primary schools. This study investigated an under-researched area in the local literature and identified the consequences occupational noise can have in teachers. These findings can help inform possible changes in the school environment to reduce the repercussions of occupational noise on teachers’ health. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127761 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z