Publication date: Available online 18 December 2018
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Katijah Khoza-Shangase
Abstract
Aim
The main aim of this study was to explore factors compromising early intervention (EI) service delivery to hearing impaired children in South Africa, as expressed by their caregivers.
Methods
Within a qualitative survey design, a sample of 19 hearing impaired children's caregivers completed structured self-administered questionnaires on factors that they perceive compromise EI for their children. These caregivers included mothers, fathers, grandparents, and legal guardians or adoptive parents of children with hearing impairment. Descriptive analysis of the data was undertaken.
Results
Findings indicated various factors compromising EI as reported by caregivers. These included limited availability of appropriate schools and health care facilities for their hearing impaired children; long distances between the few services that are available and the places of residence of the service users; significant costs linked to the services (such as medical expenses, boarding school facilities costs); limited skills and knowledge of professionals and teachers regarding hearing impairment; inconsistent and conflicting professional opinions about the child's diagnosis and treatment; as well as limited community awareness about hearing impairment along with services available for hearing impaired children.
Conclusion
These findings have important clinical, training, policy, and advocacy implications within the South African context; if both access to and success within the EI services will be successful.
https://ift.tt/2GuzflI
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου
Σημείωση: Μόνο ένα μέλος αυτού του ιστολογίου μπορεί να αναρτήσει σχόλιο.