Family History of Stuttering among Kurdish Children Who Stutter Near the Age of Onset

Background: The family history of stuttering is one of the most important factors for the prediction of recovery from stuttering. There is a high controversy about the rate of positive family history of stuttering among people who stutter (PWS). In the present study, the family history of stuttering in the first-, second-, and third-degree relatives was investigated among a group of Kurdish children who stuttered (CWS) close to the onset of the disorder.

Materials and methods: One hundred and seventy-two CWS, including 46 females (24.60%) aged 2-5 years (mean age: 3.71 years, SD = 0.75) were consecutively recruited. They were first examined close to the onset of the stuttering. Data about current and former stuttering among first-, second-, and third-degree relatives were collected using interviews with both parents. Data was described and analyzed by independent sample t test or Chi-square.

Results: Among 172 CWS (mean age: 3.71 years, SD = 0.75), 119 (69.20%) reported a family history of stuttering. According to the result, the most family history of stuttering was reported among third-degree relatives (32.60%). Sixty-five participants (37.80%) reported just one relative with stuttering. CWS with a positive family history of stuttering had no significant difference with CWS without a positive family history of stuttering in sex (P = 0.48) and age of stuttering onset (P = 0.96).

Conclusion: The rate of positive family history of stuttering among Kurdish CWS is similar to previously reported data in the same age group. There was no significant association of family history of stuttering with sex and age on the onset of the disorder.