Epidemiology of hearing impairment and impact on socio-cognitive perfomance of school-going children in Kisumu District, Kenya: implications for public health action
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Date
2014-05-21
Authors
Duda, Omondi Dickens
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Abstract
This crossectional survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence and' impact of childhood hearing impairment (ill) on socio cognitive performance of pupils attending lower primary classes in Kisumu District. Out of the' 1411 pupils screened, 35 had HI above 25 dB measured at 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz~and 4 kHz, giving an overall prevalence of 24.8 / 1000. Chronic suppurative otitis media, age of pupil, age of mother at first pregnancy, and socioeconomic status were the commonest indicators of risks, time of detection and consequences of childhood HI (p< 0.05). The language limitation impact rate was 77.2%, which implies that ill could have significant adverse consequences on language skills. This has policy implications on education and literacy programs. Parents were the first to suspect HI in 51.8% while 28.6% were screen detected which indicates a crucial role of parents and screening surveillance in detection of childhood ill. Demand for and utilization of auditory health care services was low, leaving a wide gap of unmet auditory health needs. Low SES in urban and Peri - urban areas inversely affected demand For, access to and utilization of health care. Public health policy on ear care should consider the role of SES in addressing the issue of health inequity and the differential consequences subsequent to it.
Description
Department of Chemistry, 78p. The RF 291.5.C45A3 2005
Keywords
Hearing disorders in children--Kenya--Kisumu