Barriers to prompt diagnosis and management of children with hearing loss

Abstract

Background: Paediatric hearing loss is associated with a significant public health burden, though early detection and treatment curtails the limitations associated with hearing loss. Despite the obvious advantages of early detection and treatment, multiple barriers exists. This study explored major barriers experienced by caregivers and teachers to timely detection and management of children with hearing loss in Ibadan metropolis.

Methods: A mixed-methods descriptive cross-sectional study was done. The study population were parent/caregivers of children with hearing loss aged 6-12 years residing in the study area. A four-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for the study. A total of four Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and 203 questionnaires were administered to the target population. Qualitative data were analysed using ATLAS.ti software (Version 7) while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. (p-value <0.05).

Results: The FGDs revealed that mothers do not recognize the signs and symptoms of hearing loss and experienced difficulty seeking healthcare because of embarrassment/shame. High transportation costs to special schools and communication difficulties were examples of barriers to management identified. The qualitative data showed that among caregivers, identified barriers to management were: difficulty in learning sign language, financial handicap, high transportation costs.

Conclusion: The major barriers to timely detection and management of children with hearing loss were transportation costs to health facilities and special schools, financial inability to utilize care in health facility, and caregiver embarrassment to seek medical help.