Date of Award

12-14-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MSc in Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Rafat Jan

Second Advisor

Dr. Ali Shabbir Hussain

Third Advisor

Ms. Khairunissa Hooda

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss affects approximately 1 to 2 neonates per 1000 births, with multiple prenatal and perinatal risk factors contributing to neonatal hearing impairment. Hearing loss in neonates impacts on language, cognitive, and developmental milestones. However, early detection and intervention can significantly improve their outcomes. While universal newborn hearing screening has been successfully implemented in many countries, Pakistan continues to face challenges in its implementation.
Purpose: The study aims to assess the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding universal newborn hearing screening and the facilitators and barriers to establishing neonatal hearing screening programs in Pakistan.
Method: The study was conducted using an Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative study design. The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, with 11 healthcare professionals purposively recruited. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and was analysed manually using a six-step thematic analysis approach provided by Braun and Clarke (2013).
Findings: The data analysis produced four themes: sound beginnings: insight into newborn hearing and hearing screening, voices of the affected: impact on families and society, uncovering obstacles to newborn hearing screening, and unlocking the keys to screening success. The results revealed that healthcare providers recognized the importance of hearing and hearing screening. However, gaps in knowledge were identified particularly regarding the guidelines of universal newborn hearing screening. Barriers to implementation included financial constraints and lack of resources, neglect by policymakers, insufficient knowledge, and a lack of national data. However, through teamwork and collaboration, financial support from the government, conducting research, raising awareness among health professionals, and parents and through organizing resources its implementation could be facilitated.
Conclusion: This descriptive exploratory study design showed that participants recognized the significance of the hearing and importance of the hearing screening program. They identified challenges in the implementation of the screening program, as well as the facilitating factors and the context-specific strategies that can support its implementation.

First Page

1

Last Page

118

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