Knowledge and attitude (KA) survey regarding infant hearing loss in Karnataka, India

Introduction: The support provided and the decisions taken by mothers determine the success of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS). Attempts at exploring the existing knowledge-attitude among mothers is crucial to create/modify the existing screening programs. The present study attempts to explore the knowledge and attitude toward infant hearing loss (HL) among mothers of newborns in the Indian state of Karnataka. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 219 mothers of newborns in Karnataka, India. The questionnaire was framed from existing literature and consisted of 19 questions assessing knowledge and attitude toward infant HL to be rated on a three-point scale (no, not sure, yes). Descriptive statistics and Cronbach's α were used to analyze the data. Results: Mothers exhibited good knowledge of risk factors; noise (70.3%) and ear discharge (54.3%). More than 75% agreed that treatment for HL is available and that these children can attend school. The questions of superstitions and cultural beliefs yielded mixed responses. A large number of mothers expressed desire to have their children tested at birth (84.9%) and were concerned about their children's hearing (87.7%). Yet only 54.3% stated that they would allow their children to wear hearing aids. Summary and conclusion: The present study is an attempt to understand the knowledge and attitude of mothers toward infant HL in Karnataka and facilitate identification of potential areas of less knowledge as a reference for endeavors of enhancement. It further highlights the need for implementing public awareness programs to improve knowledge and attitude of mothers toward infant HL for better implementation of UNHS.