The Prevalence of Speech Disorders in Iran: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Speech disorders are common communication difficulties in childhood, which can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence rate of various types of speech disorders in preschool and elementary school students in Iran. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in national and international databases, including Magiran, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, from March 30, 2000, to March 30, 2025. The quality assessment was evaluated by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). All statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Results: A total of 15 studies, comprising 24983 students, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of speech disorders among preschool and elementary school children in Iran was 8.7 (boys 10.3 and girls 7). The prevalence of speech disorders in preschool, first, second, third, fourth, and fifth-grade students was 11.5, 10.1, 7.1, 8.7, 9, and 8.1, respectively. The pooled prevalence of speech sound disorders, stuttering, and voice disorders was 7, 1.9, and 2.3, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal that approximately one in 10 Iranian students has a speech disorder, with higher rates in preschool children. © 2026, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.