Parental Perceptions to New-Born Screening for Hearing Loss in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Nwankwo, C. J., Vite, B. N., et al. (2023).
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 168, 111517.
This systematic review explores parental perceptions of new-born hearing screening programs within Nigeria.
No funding received
2009 to 2018
Primary studies of any design or systematic reviews
10
A majority of studies (80%) reported that parents in Nigeria had negative perceptions regarding newborn hearing screening. These negative perceptions and limited engagement with screening programs appeared to be associated with:<br />
<ul>
<li>reduced maternal education (e.g., prior knowledge about hearing loss, formal education level);</li>
<li>increased maternal fear and anxiety (e.g., fear of adverse effects of screening, anxiety regarding potential for hearing loss diagnosis);</li>
<li>misconceptions about screening protocols or hearing loss;</li>
<li>a perceived complexity of hearing loss screening;</li>
<li>low socioeconomic status or reduced time and physical resources;</li>
<li>preference for traditional medicines;</li>
<li>beliefs that hearing loss is associated with spiritual or religious causes; and</li>
<li>lack of readily accessible care. </li>
</ul>
Overall, most parents appeared to be not engage in services or to be lost to follow-up due to a variety of socio-demographic, psychological, or service delivery challenges.
