Changes in the profile of speech-language therapists from Paraná and Santa Catarina from 2000 to 2011

Abstract

Purpose Comparative analysis of the profile of speech-language therapists that work in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina in 2000 and 2011. Methods application of a questionnaire that considered the following variables: identification of data, undergraduates and graduates, professional aspects. The responses obtained in 2000 and 2011 were compared by means of the difference of proportions test, with a significance level of 5%. Results The comparison of the data has shown that: the number of speech-language therapists in the jurisdiction of the Board tripled; the profile was unchanged with regard to gender; however, there was a 10-year increase in average and maximum age; the majority of respondents in 2000 and in 2011 completed the undergraduate course in the jurisdiction of the Board; a larger migration of professionals from the capitals to other cities in the two states; significant increase of graduates in specialization courses; significant differences in employment and the type of institution in which they work; a decrease in the number of freelance professionals and an increase in the number of speech-language therapists that work in public institutions. Conclusion There were changes in the profile of speech-language therapists that work in the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina from 2000 to 2011, especially in terms of specialization levels and actions primarily developed inside private institutions that work with clinical and rehabilitative actions for public health, and educational institutions that work with prevention and promotion.

Situação e satisfação profissional na percepção de egressos de Fonoaudiologia

“…Regarding the age of the professionals, in other studies it has been observed an average age over 30 years, at the time the research was conducted (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)22) and only two studies with speech therapy graduates reported average age within the range of 20 to 30 years (9,13) .…”

“…In this study, the egresses were mostly female up to 29 years old. Studies have shown that speech therapy profession is mostly undertaken by female professionals (9,(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22) . One author relates this occurrence to the fact that women are more maternally oriented, transferring to the professional practice the tasks related to the care of another person (23) .…”