Knowledge and Challenges Associated With Hearing Impairment in Affected Individuals From Cameroon (Sub-Saharan Africa).

ABSTRACT: Background: This study aimed to gain an understanding of the challenges faced by people with hearing impairment (HI) in Cameroon, their understanding of the causes of HI, and how challenges could be remedied to improve the quality of life of persons with HI. Methods: Semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interviews and observation of participant behaviour when answering questions were used to collect data from 10 HI professionals (healthcare workers and educationists), and 10 persons affected by HI (including caregivers). Results: The results show that the different groups associate the causes of HI to genetics, environmental factors, and a spiritual curse. There were reported cases of stigma and discrimination of persons with HI, with people sometimes referring to HI as

SUBMITTER: Wonkam-Tingang E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9397862 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature