Perception and acceptance of Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening among pregnant women attending a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Nigeria reportedly has one of the highest incidences of congenital hearing loss and the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS) offers a potential for early detection and intervention.

Objectives: To determine the awareness and acceptability of newborn hearing screening among the antenatal clinic attendees of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey among the pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. Data were obtained using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire

Results: A total of 114 women aged 18 and 45 years participated in the survey; 51/114 (44.7%) were aware of hearing screening with most of them 39/51 (76.5%) having health workers as their first source of knowledge. A high acceptance rate was obtained among 97/114 (85.1%), and this was notably independent (p = 0.399) of awareness; 14/114 (12.2%) rejected UNHS and the commonest reason for rejection was lack of enough information among 10/14 (71.4%) on the existence and use of UNHS. Health care workers were the commonest source of information [39/51(76.5%)]. A majority [51/58 (87.9%)] thought that the best time to initiate treatment is early in life, before speech development, only 4/114 (3.5%) had relatives who had ever undergone UNHS and all were done abroad.

Conclusions: Less than half of the participants attending ANC were aware of hearing screening and acceptance was high despite this low awareness rate. Parental awareness appeared to depend on contact with healthcare workers. Community education may increase awareness and demand for UNHS.