Utilisation of health services by the deaf and hard of hearing.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing Under-utilization of health services by the deaf and hard of hearing in Kanyama Compound. Literature review was from various scholars. The literature focused on factors which influence the marginalization of the deaf and hard of hearing. A non experimental descriptive study design was used. Sample selection was done using non probability sampling method. The type of non probability sampling method chosen for the study is the judgmental sampling method. The respondents were selected judgmentally by the researcher so long as they had the characteristics of interest to the researcher. A total of 60 respondents took parting the study. 50 were deaf and hard of hearing who live in Kanyama compound and 10 were health workers who work at Kanyama Clinic. The data from health workers was collected by the use of a semi structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was self administered since all the respondents had some form of education. The study revealed that the deaf and hard of hearing do utilise health services. Majority 42(84%) of them sated that they went to the government clinic when they fell sick (table 17). What seems to be the problem is the quality of the service they received. This was seen in that 49(92%) of the respondents who are deaf and hard of hearing were not satisfied with the service they received at the government. The quality of service was connected to the method of communication with the health workers. The client who communicated the complaints to health worker using sign language was satisfied with the service he received (table 19). All the respondents 50(100%) suggested that teaching health workers sign language will greatly improve health services for the deaf and hard of hearing.