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Maternal views on infant hearing loss in a developing country
B O Olusanya1, L M Luxon, S L Wirz
1Academic Unit of Audiological Medicine, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK. boolusanya@aol.com
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|September 13, 2005
Summary
Maternal knowledge and positive attitudes support infant hearing screening in Nigeria. This research indicates that parents are receptive to early detection and intervention for childhood hearing loss, contrary to some expectations in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Parental support is crucial for infant hearing loss screening programs.
- Parental attitudes in developing countries towards childhood disabilities are often uncertain.
- Limited evidence exists on parental support for infant hearing screening in developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess mothers' knowledge of infant hearing loss causes.
- To evaluate mothers' attitudes towards infant hearing screening.
- To inform the development of effective infant hearing screening programs in Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- A structured questionnaire was administered to 101 mothers in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and multiple regression were used for data analysis.
- Cronbach's alpha coefficient assessed the reliability of knowledge and attitude domains.
Main Results:
- Maternal knowledge was highest for measles and ear discharge, but low for birth asphyxia, traditional medicine, and jaundice as causes of hearing loss.
- A high percentage of mothers (92%) had a positive attitude towards neonatal screening and (84%) accepted hearing aids.
- Maternal age was the only demographic factor associated with knowledge of hearing loss causes.
Conclusions:
- Parental knowledge and attitudes in this Nigerian study favor early detection and intervention for hearing impairment.
- Findings challenge concerns about parental support for infant hearing screening in developing countries.
- The study suggests a favorable environment for implementing and supporting infant hearing screening programs.