Audiology Research, Vol. 15, Pages 87: An Embedded Mixed-Methods Study with a Dominant Quantitative Strand: The Knowledge of Jordanian Mothers About Risk Factors for Childhood Hearing Loss

Audiology Research doi: 10.3390/audiolres15040087

Authors:
Shawkat Altamimi
Mohamed Tawalbeh
Omar Shawkat Al Tamimi
Tariq N. Al-Shatanawi
Saba’ Azzam Jarrar
Eftekhar Khalid Al Zoubi
Aya Shawkat Altamimi
Ensaf Almomani

Background: Childhood hearing loss is a public health problem of critical importance associated with speech development, academic achievement, and quality of life. Parents’ awareness and knowledge about risk factors contribute to early detection and timely intervention.  Objective: This study aims to examine Jordanian mothers’ knowledge of childhood hearing loss risk factors and investigate the impact of education level and socioeconomic status (SES) on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of this knowledge with the moderating effect of health literacy. Material and Methods: The approach employed an embedded mixed-methods design with a dominant quantitative strand supported by qualitative data, utilizing quantitative surveys (n = 250), analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS, and qualitative interviews (n = 10), analyzed thematically to expand upon the quantitative findings by exploring barriers to awareness and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Results: The accuracy and comprehensiveness of knowledge of hearing loss risk factors were also positively influenced by maternal knowledge of hearing loss risk factors. Maternal knowledge was significantly associated with both education level and socioeconomic status (SES). Furthermore, maternal knowledge and accuracy were significantly moderated by health literacy, such that mothers with higher health literacy exhibited a stronger relationship between knowledge and accuracy. Qualitative findings revealed that individuals encountered barriers to accessing reliable information and comprehending medical advice and faced financial difficulties due to limited options for healthcare services. Conclusions: These results underscore the need for maternal education programs that address specific issues, provide simplified healthcare communication, and enhance access to pediatric audiology services. Future research should explore longitudinal assessments and intervention-based strategies to enhance mothers’ awareness and detect early childhood hearing loss.

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