Knowledge and attitude of mothers regarding infant hearing loss in Changsha, Hunan province, China

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitude among mothers of newborns regarding infant hearing loss (HL) in Changsha, Hunan province, China. Design: A questionnaire including 18 items was given to mothers. Study sample: A total of 115 mothers participated in the study. Results: Seven risk factors for hearing loss were identified correctly by above 60% of respondents and the top three were prolonged noise (88.7%), high fever (82.6%) and ear discharge (82.6%). Poor knowledge was demonstrated on risk factors jaundice (20.0%), measles (22.6%), convulsion (33.0%) and traditional Chinese medicine (39.1%). Maternal knowledge scores in identification and intervention (2.68 ± 0.31) was slightly higher than the score in risk factors (2.47 ± 0.34). Ninety-nine per cent of the mothers expressed the willingness to test baby’s hearing soon after birth and concern about hearing. Conclusions: Mothers were concerned about baby’s hearing and the attitude was positive. However, the correct recognition rate towards some risk factors for HL was low. Action needs to be taken to raise awareness about ear and hearing care, prevent HL caused by preventable causes and prompt early identification, early diagnosis and intervention of HL.

Key Words:

• Hearing conservation/hearing loss prevention
• newborn hearing screening
• psycho-social/emotional
• paediatric

Acknowledgements

We thank Olusanya for granting the use of the questionnaire.

We thank all the babies and their mothers for their kind participation in the study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Geography location

Changsha, Hunan Province, China.