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Semin Speech Lang 2024; 45(01): 084-098
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1774783
Review Article

The Intersection of Social Determinants of Health and Post-stroke Aphasia Outcomes: A Need for Intersectional Analysis

Elizabeth Evans
1   Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Communication Equity and Outcomes Laboratory, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
,
Molly Jacobs
2   Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
,
Charles Ellis
1   Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Communication Equity and Outcomes Laboratory, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain that are responsible for language and can vary significantly by type and severity. Differences in aphasia outcomes are influenced by the social determinants of health (SDOH). The SDOH are structural, environmental, and personal determinants that influence health outcomes. Intersectionality, or how one's social and political identities interact to influence individual life outcomes and/or advantage in our society, provides a way to examine the varying levels of the SDOH. However, intersectionality is complex, difficult to measure, and has not yet been explored in post-stroke aphasia outcomes. This article reviews the relationship of race and aphasia outcomes and the SDOH and aphasia outcomes. Additionally, we provide a novel current approach to examine the SDOH and aphasia outcomes. Lastly, we discuss the need for evaluation of intersectionality in aphasia and aim to provide a leveled social–ecological framework to examine aphasia-related outcomes. With notable individual differences among aphasia outcomes, we present a framework to support optimizing research and clinical aphasia care in speech-language pathology.

Keywords

aphasia - outcomes - intersectional analysis


Publication History

Article published online:
26 September 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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