Investigation of stuttering prevalence in children aged 7-11: Edirne sample

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of stuttering in children aged 7-11 who live in Edirne. It is also aimed to examine various demographic, psychological and environmental factors affecting this situation. The research will be conducted using a cross-sectional research method on school-aged children in the province of Edirne. In this context, the effects of variables related to children who continue to stutter, their families and their stuttering history on the stuttering status of the children will be examined. 418 children aged 7-11 from the province of Edirne participated in this research. It was determined that 92 of these children had stopped stuttering, 31 still stuttered and 43 were girls and 80 were boys. The first part of the research questions prepared in two stages includes personal information about the child and his/her family as well as the stuttering status. In the second section, the onset of stuttering, severity, therapy status, physical, psychological, social and emotional problems caused by stuttering, stuttering behaviors and positive and negative temperament characteristics that will affect stuttering, which are prepared only for children whose stuttering continues and those whose stuttering has passed, were examined. The research findings have shown that the prevalence of stuttering is higher in the 7-year-old group and children in the 1st grade. The prevalence of stuttering in children of mothers aged 26-35 and 36-45 and in children of fathers aged 36-45 were found to be higher. It was determined that the prevalence of stuttering is higher in children who are only children. The prevalence of stuttering in children of mothers who are primary school and high school graduates and in children of fathers who are primary school graduates was found to be higher. It was determined that the prevalence of stuttering is higher in children whose first and second degree relatives have a history of stuttering. It was found that the income levels of children who have passed stuttering are higher. It has been observed that the age of onset of children who continue to stutter is higher between 2-3 years. It has been observed that children who continue to stutter have very mild and moderate levels of initial stuttering, while children who have stopped stuttering have high levels of mild and moderate stuttering. It has been observed that children who continue to stutter have difficulty in academic success. It has been observed that children who continue to stutter have the most negative temperament characteristics (shy, emotional, shy) and positive temperament characteristics (curious, cheerful, organized). Keywords: Stuttering, Developmental stuttering, Stuttering Prevalence, Natural recovery, Risk factors