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Mothers' perspectives of newborn hearing screening programme
Mercy E Jatto1, Segun A Ogunkeyede1,2, Adebolajo A Adeyemo1,3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Ghana Medical Journal
|January 4, 2019
Summary
Mothers in Nigeria show a willingness to accept newborn hearing screening, but awareness of the program and risk factors for hearing loss is inadequate. Improving knowledge is crucial for effective early intervention in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Newborn hearing screening programs are vital for early identification of hearing loss, enabling timely intervention.
- Accurate public knowledge of newborn hearing screening benefits is essential for program uptake.
- A knowledge gap regarding hearing screening and rehabilitation exists among Nigerian parents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge and perceptions of mothers regarding newborn hearing screening.
- To identify potential barriers and facilitators to newborn hearing screening program participation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 48 mothers of newborns at immunization clinics.
- Semi-structured questionnaires collected data on demographics, birth details, and knowledge of hearing loss and screening.
- Statistical analysis explored associations between awareness, willingness to accept screening, and maternal characteristics.
Main Results:
- Awareness of newborn hearing screening was low among participants.
- Information sources included antenatal clinics, mass media, and friends.
- While educational level did not correlate with awareness, willingness to accept screening was linked to socioeconomic status (p=0.04) and education (p=0.02).
- Mothers lacked awareness of childhood hearing loss risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Mothers exhibit a willingness to undergo newborn hearing screening.
- There is a significant deficit in knowledge concerning newborn hearing screening and infant hearing loss risk factors.
- Educational and socioeconomic factors influence the acceptance of newborn hearing screening.