An Online Mental Health Survey Translated to Sign Language Was Only Utilized by One Third of Deaf Signers

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Deaf sign language speakers are at risk for mental and physical illnesses but are often under-represented in research. Reasons include language barriers, poor literacy, and mistrust. Researchers may provide surveys in sign language to accommodate Deaf people by using their preferred language. However, sign language surveys are time consuming and may not be preferred among all Deaf individuals. In this study, we invited Norwegian and Norwegian Sign Language (NSL) speakers from the deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) population to respond to an online mental health survey. Respondents were free to choose between two versions: A standard text version and a version additionally including videos in Norwegian Sign Language (NSL). In total 783 individuals with a self-reported hearing loss responded. A significantly higher proportion of those completing the NSL-version (n = 113, 14%) were deaf, had a congenital hearing loss, knew NSL well, considered NSL their first language, and preferred it daily. However, among Deaf signers (n = 236), only one third chose the NSL-version (n = 74). Deaf signers choosing the NSL-version had lower educational attainment and reported NSL as their native language. Deaf signers choosing the text version were more often native bilingual (Norwegian and NSL). Our results indicate that while Deaf respondents preferred NSL in their daily lives, most respondents still chose a conventional text survey. Efficiency and literacy likely influenced respondents’ choice. To increase participation and improve user experience, there is a need for more research on how to better accommodate most Deaf individuals in research.