1
|
Graham C, Gina A, Seeley J, Saman Y. Development of a questionnaire to assess mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practice with regard to childhood hearing loss and Universal Newborn Hearing Screening. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 165:111449. [PMID: 36657328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of the validity and reliability of measurement tools in research provides quality data. However, evidence of the validity and reliability of parental knowledge and attitude regarding childhood hearing loss and newborn hearing screening is scarce. OBJECTIVE To design a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) survey tool regarding childhood hearing loss and a Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme of the rural Amajuba district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and then test for validity and test-retest repeatability. METHODS Face validity was conducted with 20 mothers and a content validity index was determined by two rounds of assessments, the first by 7 experts and the second by 3 experts. The kappa statistic was used to measure the stability of the tool using data from 160 mothers where repeated measurements were applied at two-week intervals. The feasibility of developing a tool was assessed by applying the criteria of science, population and resources. RESULTS The KAP tool was developed with twenty-nine items. For face validity, 97% of the participants reported that the items were clear, wording was appropriate and easy to read and the language was natural. Content validity produced excellent results with a scale and content validity index of 1. Test-retest repeatability for the KAP tool was good with a Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.87). Individually, the knowledge scale had a kappa of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.77, 0.95); the attitude scale had a kappa of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.99): the practice scale had a kappa of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.97) and the awareness scale had a kappa of 0.92 (0.83, 1.00). The development of a KAP tool was shown to be feasible, given sufficient time, funds, motivation and a study population. CONCLUSION The study produced a valid and reliable tool that can be useful in generating quality evidence of a community's KAP with respect to childhood hearing loss and newborn hearing screening. Evidence gathered could be used to tailor health education and health promotion material for a Universal New-born Hearing Screening (UNHS) programme in a culturally sensitive manner to promote service uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Graham
- Department of ENT, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 719 Umbilo Road, Berea, 4001, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Ayanda Gina
- Discipline of Audiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, WestVille Campus, University Road, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Yougan Saman
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Feng X, Zhu JH, Hua ZL, Xu X, Li Y, Li J, Song GH, Wang X, Su M, Zhou JY. Satisfaction and its determinants of rural upper gastrointestinal cancer screening in China: a preliminary cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061483. [PMID: 36329609 PMCID: PMC9442482 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess participants' satisfaction with and predictors of upper gastrointestinal cancer screening in rural areas. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Ten screening centres in seven cities across five provinces in China. PARTICIPANTS Of the 452 participants screened during the survey period, 438 completed the survey (response rate: 96.90%). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Screening satisfaction was the primary outcome and it was assessed using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the predictors of satisfaction. RESULTS The percentages of satisfaction with the General Satisfaction, Technical Quality, Interpersonal Manner, Communication, Financial Aspects, Time Spent With Doctor, and Convenience and Accessibility dimensions were 95.89%, 79.68%, 88.36%, 83.56%, 75.11%, 82.19% and 66.44%, respectively. Education (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.90), health self-assessment (OR 15.29, 95% CI 2.86 to 81.78) and family history of cancer (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.29 to 13.71) were associated with General Satisfaction. Residence (OR 4.31, 95% CI 1.89 to 9.81) was associated with Technical Quality. Occupation (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.88), health self-assessment (OR 11.30, 95% CI 3.94 to 32.43), screening purpose (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.92) and distance from the screening centre (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.35 to 15.61) were associated with interpersonal manner. Gender (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.34), residence (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.23 to 8.53) and endoscopy in the previous year (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.13 to 6.90) were associated with Communication. Body mass index (BMI; OR 5.06, 95% CI 1.40 to 18.25) and health self-assessment (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.88) were associated with financial aspects. Gender (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.38), residence (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.30 to 7.79), BMI (OR 5.26, 95% CI 1.14 to 24.34) and health self-assessment (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 4.34) were associated with time spent with doctor. Gender (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.60) and residence (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.46 to 6.88) were associated with convenience and accessibility. CONCLUSION There was heterogeneity across the dimensions of satisfaction with rural upper gastrointestinal cancer screening. Project manager should prioritise improving the aspects related to the convenience and accessibility dimension. Furthermore, to improve the efficiency of potential interventions, the predictors of the various dimensions should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Feng
- Institute of Tumour Prevention and Control, People's Hospital of Yangzhong, Yangzhong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Hua Zhu
- Institute of Tumour Prevention and Control, People's Hospital of Yangzhong, Yangzhong, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao-Lai Hua
- Institute of Tumour Prevention and Control, People's Hospital of Yangzhong, Yangzhong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Xu
- Department of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Taixing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Taixing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Cancer Center, People's Hospital of Feicheng, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Yanting County Cancer Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Guo-Hui Song
- Prevention and Control, Cixian Institute for Cancer, Handan, Hebei, China
| | - Xingzheng Wang
- Scientific Research Office, Yangcheng County Cancer Hospital, Jincheng, Shanxi, China
| | - Ming Su
- Department of Chronic Diseases Prevention and Control, Huai'an District Center, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yi Zhou
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zaitoun M, Nuseir A. Parents' satisfaction with a trial of a newborn hearing screening programme in Jordan. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 130:109845. [PMID: 31887568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines parents' satisfaction level toward a trial of a newborn hearing screening programme (NHSP) that was applied in King Abdullah II University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan over one year. This is the first study that investigated parents' satisfaction toward a hearing screening programme in the Arab countries, and the results will improve any future screening programmes in the Arabian region. METHOD The main tool for this study was a questionnaire that was translated and modified from the original version of the Parental Satisfaction with the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (PSQ-NHSPs1). The questionnaire consisted of 19 items covering five main aspects of the NHSP. The parents' responses were not anonymously given where the parents whose children had undergone the hearing screening were contacted by phone using the data record of the hospital. RESULTS The majority of the parents were very satisfied with the programme overall and showed great support and appreciation for the effort in testing their babies and increasing their awareness. The satisfaction levels varied among the specific aspects of the programme. Good portion of the parents did not receive the brochure containing information about the screening, and almost half of them did not know the results of the hearing screening. CONCLUSION Parents were overall satisfied with neonatal hearing screening programme that was conducted at KAUH. However, parents were less satisfied with information related to the test procedure and results. Parents' responses in this study could be used to improve any future hearing screening program in Jordan or in the Arab countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maha Zaitoun
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science & Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
| | - Amjad Nuseir
- Department of Special Surgery-Clinical Faculty Member, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, P.O.Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Graham C, Seeley J, Gina A, Saman Y. Mapping the content of mothers' knowledge, attitude and practice towards universal newborn hearing screening for development of a KAP survey tool. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210764. [PMID: 30785897 PMCID: PMC6382093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of permanent childhood hearing impairment (PCHI) is essential for the success of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) as poor compliance and follow-up remains a global challenge. To determine content area for a questionnaire that measures PCHI-related KAP in rural mothers, we trained moderators who interviewed 145 pregnant women (17 groups) from 5 ante-natal clinics. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, summarised and analysed using thematic framework analysis. Four knowledge themes were identified: 1) PCHI was perceived as the malfunction of hearing leading to disability; 2) a poorly-responsive/communicative child may have PCHI; 3) lifestyle, hereditary and environmental factors are significant causes of PCHI; 4) medical management of PCHI was doubted, with some advocating birth and ancestral rituals. Two themes were identified for attitude: 1) beliefs that PCHI was emotionalised due to the negative lifelong impact on the child and family; 2) UNHS processes were favourable though some preferred other belief systems. Three themes were identified for practice: 1) doctors were the first choice followed by traditional healers; 2) willingness to continue follow-up although challenges exist; 3) minimal family support during consultation. The contextualised KAP of women regarding UNHS processes and PCHI provided content area for the design of a KAP tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Graham
- Nelson Mandela School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Janet Seeley
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ayanda Gina
- Department of Audiology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yougan Saman
- Nelson Mandela School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ear Nose and Throat Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rissmann A, Koehn A, Loderstedt M, Schwemmle C, Goetze G, Bartel S, Plontke SK, Langer J, Begall K, Matulat P, Roehl FW, Vorwerk U. Population-based cross-sectional study to assess newborn hearing screening program in central Germany. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 107:110-120. [PMID: 29501290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early diagnosis of congenital hearing loss is fundamental to minimize the negative consequences on the speech development. To lower the age at diagnosis and at intervention in hearing impaired children, not only universal newborn hearing screening (NHS) but also tracking is considered essential. The aim of the study was to evaluate the first six years after implementation of the population based newborn hearing screening program in Saxony-Anhalt, one German Federal State. METHODS The cross-sectional cohort study consisted of three cohort samples. Overall 102,301 infants born between January 2010 and December 2015 were included. NHS protocol was developed as dual target group protocol with two sub-protocols. The screening technique included Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) test. Newborns were assigned to the sub-protocols according to their audiological risk factors. Additionally, to evaluate the quality of NHS and tracking (false-negative screening) we were analysing data from a cohort of hearing impaired children diagnosed up to the age of three years. We calculated quality indicators and compared them with international guidelines. RESULTS 101,102 (98.8%) infants were screened. The prevalence of bilateral neonatal hearing loss was 2.32 per 1000 newborns. The median age was two days at first screening, three month at diagnostic testing, and four month at intervention onset. 2.6% infants were lost to follow-up. 56.3% had a final diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The sensitivity of 0.85 (KI 95%: 0.76–0.91) and a specificity of 0.84 (KI 95%: 0.84–0.85) was calculated for the NHS program. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of benchmarks and outcomes of NHS demonstrated that the program reaches its main goal to identify the hearing impaired newborns in a timely manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Rissmann
- Newborn Hearing Screening Tracking Centre, Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Andrea Koehn
- Newborn Hearing Screening Tracking Centre, Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marja Loderstedt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Schwemmle
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gerrit Goetze
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medicine Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sylva Bartel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medicine Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefan K Plontke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medicine Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Joerg Langer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, AMEOS Hospital Halberstadt, Gleimstrasse 5, 38820, Halberstadt, Germany
| | - Klaus Begall
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, AMEOS Hospital Halberstadt, Gleimstrasse 5, 38820, Halberstadt, Germany
| | - Peter Matulat
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, University Hospital Münster, Kardinal-von-Galen-Ring 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Friedrich-Wilhelm Roehl
- Department for Biometry and Medical Informatics, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Vorwerk
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lam MYY, Wong ECM, Law CW, Lee HHL, McPherson B. Maternal knowledge and attitudes to universal newborn hearing screening: Reviewing an established program. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 105:146-153. [PMID: 29447803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To facilitate early diagnosis of infants with hearing loss, a universal newborn hearing screening program (UNHS) has been implemented in Hong Kong's public hospitals for over a decade. However, there have been no known studies investigating parent attitudes to, and satisfaction with, UNHS since its launch in Hong Kong. The present study aimed to investigate knowledge of UNHS as well as infant hearing development, and attitudes and satisfaction with UNHS, in Hong Kong mothers with newborns. The study was designed to help evaluate and improve an established UNHS public hospital program, based on the perspectives of service users. METHODS A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 102 mothers whose newborn had received UNHS in the postnatal wards of a large public hospital in Hong Kong. The questionnaire considered parental knowledge of UNHS and infant hearing development, attitudes and satisfaction toward public hospital UNHS. In the knowledge dimension, parents' preferred time and location for pre-test information delivery, interpretation of screening results, and knowledge of hearing developmental milestones were surveyed. In addition, maternal attitudes to and satisfaction with UNHS screening services, the potential impact of UNHS on parent emotions and parent-baby bonding, attitudes toward informed consent, and willingness to comply with diagnostic assessment referral were also be surveyed. RESULTS Mean participant scores on knowledge of infant hearing development were relatively low (M = 2.59/6.0, SD = 0.90). Many mothers also underestimated the potential ongoing risks of hearing impairment in babies. Around 80% of mothers thought an infant could not have hearing impairment after passing the screening. In addition, one-third of mothers thought a baby could not later develop hearing impairment in infancy or childhood. In terms of attitudes and satisfaction, participants gave somewhat negative ratings for questions regarding receiving sufficient information about the screening (M = 2.90/5.0, SD = 1.27), screening procedure (M = 2.20/5.0, SD = 1.08), and sufficiency of information about results (M = 2.87/5.0, SD = 1.14). Nonetheless, participants gave positive ratings concerning whether screening could lead to early diagnosis (M = 4.61/5.0, SD = 0.57) and over 95% of mothers supported UNHS despite potential for false positive results. Mothers reported a high willingness to bring their baby to follow-up assessments if required (M = 4.53/5.0, SD = 0.56). Participants gave positive ratings for their level of satisfaction with the time and location of first UNHS information provision (M = 4.34/5.0, SD = 0.80) and the way permission was asked for screening the baby (M = 4.04/5.0, SD = 0.97) but alternative procedures were also recommended. Most recommendations focused on providing more information about the test and a more detailed explanation of screening results. CONCLUSIONS The survey results highlighted the need to provide more information to parents about infant hearing development to support home monitoring for signs of hearing loss after UNHS, as well as more detailed explanation and information regarding hearing screening and the implications of results to parents. Regardless of location, surveys of this type may provide valuable support for UNHS program quality assurance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Yee Yan Lam
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Eddie Chi Ming Wong
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chi Wai Law
- Department of Paediatrics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Helena Hui Ling Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Bradley McPherson
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sabbag JC, Lacerda ABMD. Neonatal Hearing Screening in primary health care and family health care. Codas 2017; 29:e20160102. [PMID: 28813070 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20172016102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) looks for early diagnosis and rehabilitation of newborns at risk or not of hearing impairment. The purpose is analyze the flow of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in the family health care strategy unit through the tracking and monitoring of children. Methods This is a quantitative and retrospective study. The trace begins with the third copy of the Live Newborn Declaration, filled in at the maternity ward. An interview with parents and guardians was made by a community agent at the Health Unit or at the home of the newborn. Monitoring was conducted by live birth declaration and the information collected by the interviewer from maternal and child health booklet and the follow-up at high complexity services. Results The sample was made up of 50 neonates. 52% were between 30 and 89 days and 54% were male. 12% of newborns presented a risk factor for hearing loss and the neonatal screening was performed in 86% of cases. Hearing health measures show integrality in hearing impairment care at the basic health unit to high complexity hospital. Conclusion The flow of care for newborn hearing screening is in agreement with the child health care guidelines in Curitiba, however, it is not yet universal. In conclusion, the participation of the family health strategy unit in the tracking and monitoring of children submitted to the Universal newborn hearing screening program is feasible and recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Sabbag
- Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Curitiba - Curitiba (PR), Brasil.,Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR - Curitiba (PR), Brasil
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nikolopoulos TP. Neonatal hearing screening: what we have achieved and what needs to be improved. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 79:635-7. [PMID: 25758196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on neonatal hearing screening and its weaknesses with regard to missed follow-ups and delayed diagnosis and management. RESULTS The implementation of newborn hearing screening programs has indeed lowered the mean age of hearing loss identification and many deaf children are now diagnosed at an early age of some months. However, the present collection of 32 studies published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology revealed that late-onset deafness, auditory neuropathy, and the alarming percentage of newborns who fail the initial testing and then are lost to follow-up are major weaknesses of neonatal hearing screening programs. It seems that parents may be satisfied of hearing screening but in a significant percentage of them do not bring their children for follow-up or further testing due to phycho-social or other reasons. In addition, the same collection revealed that socioeconomic factors may have a significant influence on the effectiveness of hearing screening programs in the developed and developing countries, where improvements in health care politics, tracking system and public awareness is crucial for successful program implementation. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal hearing screening programs have changed the whole picture of congenital deafness as age identification has significantly fallen with a very positive effect on timely management. However, the selected and proposed 32 related articles published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology show that there are still serious weakness in the neonatal hearing screening that need improvements in order to achieve an efficient and cost-effective system of deafness identification.
Collapse
|