Screening of language disorders in stroke patients: Validation of the azeri turkish version of the token test

Abstract

The aim of this study is to screen for language disorders in patients with stroke. One of the most suitable tests for screening language disorders and aphasia in stroke patients is the Token Test. This test is used for screening and determining the severity of language disorders and aphasia. To achieve this, the psychometrics, localization, screening, and severity determination of aphasia using the Token Test must be studied and then implemented in local and regional languages. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in Tabriz. The target population includes patients with aphasia in Tabriz, divided into two groups: healthy individuals and stroke patients with aphasia. Based on previous studies, at least 30 individuals from each group, totaling 60 participants, were selected using convenience sampling from clinics affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Inclusion criteria for this study involved selecting participants from volunteers in the healthy group who met the study conditions, and from aphasia patients across Tabriz and clinics associated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. After selecting participants based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study's objective was explained to them, and those willing to continue first filled out and signed an informed consent form either themselves or through their legal representative. Data were collected via a background information questionnaire and the Token Test. To adhere to ethical considerations, after proposal approval and obtaining ethical clearance from the ethics committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, coordination and consent were sought to access the study population. Additionally, before starting the research, participants were informed about the study's aims and significance and participated with informed consent. They were assured that the information obtained would be used solely for research purposes and that their identities would be kept confidential during and after the study. Participants were also informed of their freedom to withdraw from the study at any time. IBM SPSS Statistics 24 was used for data analysis at a significance level of 0.05. In the descriptive section, frequency (percentage) and mean were used for qualitative variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were used to compare the Token Test patterns based on demographic characteristics without considering confounding effects. Results: The Token Test demonstrated appropriate reliability and validity for the Turkish-speaking population of Tabriz.