Parental knowledge and attitudes to childhood hearing loss and hearing services in the Solomon Islands

Publication date: December 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 103
Author(s): Annette Kaspar, Obiga Newton, Joseph Kei, Carlie Driscoll, De Wet Swanepoel, Helen Goulios
ObjectiveAn understanding of parental knowledge and attitudes towards childhood hearing loss is essential to the successful implementation of audiology services. The present study aimed to investigate parental knowledge and attitudes among parents in the Solomon Islands.Methods and materialsA total of 100 mothers and 50 fathers were administered a questionnaire via semi-structured interviews.ResultsHighest parental awareness of aetiology of childhood hearing loss was noted for otitis media (94%), noise exposure (87.3%), and family history (72.7%). The highest parental awareness concerning public health initiatives to reduce/prevent otitis media was noted for routine childhood immunizations (84%) and breast-feeding (76%). Higher rates of knowledge in fathers than in mothers included otitis media (p = 0.038), noise exposure (p = 0.007), and breast-feeding (p = 0.031). Approximately half of parents (56%) agreed that curses may cause hearing loss. Overall parental responses showed positive support for infant hearing screening programs (96%) and school-based ear and hearing health examinations (99.3%).ConclusionsHigh levels of parental readiness and support for childhood hearing services in the Solomon Islands was evident. Knowledge of aetiology of childhood hearing loss was highest for otitis media, noise exposure, and family history. Knowledge and attitudes of fathers to childhood hearing loss and hearing services was either the same or better than that of mothers.



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