ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, OPINION AND PRACTICE OF THE FAMILY CAREGIVER REGARDING HEARING IMPAIRMENT AMONG PRESCHOOLER CHILDREN.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, opinion, and practice of caregivers regarding preschool hearing impaired child.

A total "100" caregivers with their children were selected under certain criteria from the out-patient clinic of Embaba Hearing and Speech Institute. The criteria included: (a) age: 2-5 years (b) degree of hearing loss (mild, moderate, severe loss), (c) not mentally retarded. Three tools were designed to collect the required data. First; a questionnaire sheet was used to collect information about demographic characteristics of children and their caregivers, personal and family history, caregivers knowledge. It included also the reported practice of the caregiver. Secondly; A-3- level- likert scale used to measure caregiver's opinion and thirdly; an observation checklist to assess the interaction between family caregivers and the child. The study revealed that only 7% of caregivers had satisfactory knowledge, (46%) had favourable opinions and the majority (84%) had satisfactory practice toward children with hearing impairment. Around two third of children (65.0%) had history of otitis media. Most of cases were discovered before the first and two years of life (37.0% and 40.0% respectively). One- hundred percent (100.0%) were treated by the hearing aids fitting. Furthermore, the study showed significant relationship between caregiver's opinion and residence (P < 0.01) and consanguinity (P = 0.04). The study recommended increasing caregivers' awareness regarding early detection and care of children with hearing impairment.