Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 12(3), pp. 543 - 556
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120312
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Hearing Health in Lesotho: An Investigation into Knowledge, Understanding and Attitude towards Hearing Loss

Olufemi Timothy Adigun ^1,2,*, Olumide Otekalu ³, Chidi Topaz Olujie ⁴, Faisat Adekilekun Tijani ^5
1 Institute for Open and Distance Learning, College of Education, University of South Africa, South Africa
² Department of Applied Educational Sciences, University of Namibia, Namibia
³ Worldwide Clinical Trials, United States
⁴ College of Education, National University, United States
⁵ The Oakwood Montessori School, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study investigated hearing health in Lesotho based on the knowledge, understanding and attitudes of Basotho people in tertiary institutions towards hearing loss and hearing aid users. The Health Belief Model framed the study. Data generation in the study was achieved through a mixed method approach using both a closed-ended structured questionnaire administered to 272 participants and a semi-structured interview with 6 respondents who were randomly selected from the 272 participants who responded to the closed-ended questionnaire. Data generated were analysed using descriptive (frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (Chi-square) at p < 0.05. Also, a thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that participants had a good understanding and knowledge of hearing health in relation to the implications of excessive noise and wax in the ear which may lead to hearing difficulties, as well as the need for ear checks at accredited ear clinics/centres; however, they still engage in risky hearing healthcare behaviours. Participants also had a higher negative attitude towards hearing loss as a condition but necessarily towards individuals with hearing loss. An association was identified between knowledge about hearing health and hearing in the study. Another association was recorded between gender and attitude towards persons with hearing loss and hearing aid users. Appropriate recommendations were made with respect to the findings.

KEYWORDS
Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, Hearing Aid Users, Hearing Healthcare Centres

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Olufemi Timothy Adigun , Olumide Otekalu , Chidi Topaz Olujie , Faisat Adekilekun Tijani , "Hearing Health in Lesotho: An Investigation into Knowledge, Understanding and Attitude towards Hearing Loss," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 543 - 556, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120312.

(b). APA Format:
Olufemi Timothy Adigun , Olumide Otekalu , Chidi Topaz Olujie , Faisat Adekilekun Tijani (2024). Hearing Health in Lesotho: An Investigation into Knowledge, Understanding and Attitude towards Hearing Loss. Universal Journal of Public Health, 12(3), 543 - 556. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120312.