Help-seeking behaviour of parents of children with hearing loss in India: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objective The age of identification of hearing loss in children is highly influenced by the hearing help seeking behaviour of their parents, particularly in countries without universal newborn hearing screening programs. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the factors associated with help seeking behaviour in parents of children with hearing loss, and the relationship of such factors with the age of identification of hearing loss. Design Focus group discussions based on the framework of health belief model were carried out. The discussions were transcribed and the transcripts were thematically analysed. Study sample Participants were 35 parents of children with hearing loss from the state of Karnataka in India. Results The findings revealed 30 factors related to their awareness about hearing loss, geographical location, socio-economic status, family, and society. The factors differed between early and late help seekers. Conclusions Awareness, accessibility, and affordability are the key factors that influenced the hearing help seeking behaviour of the participants. Effective public awareness programs, newborn hearing screening programs, and provisions to make hearing healthcare affordable to all can reduce the age of identification of paediatric hearing loss in India.