To investigate the knowledge and attitude of parents residing in urban and rural areas towards infant hearing loss. This was a cross sectional study with 384 participants. Initially, a pre-test interview was carried out to collect demographic data such as age, gender, educational qualifications, and residential status. The participants' consent was taken prior to the study followed by, administration of knowledge and attitude questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U Test was used to analyze the data and offer inferences. Results revealed poor awareness on knowledge of risk factors towards infant hearing loss among parents. Parents showed positive attitude towards early identification and intervention of hearing loss. There were no significant differences in knowledge of risk factors and attitudes between Urban and Rural population. Statistically significant differences were found only in the second domain which dealt with knowledge of identification and intervention. Overall, the study provides baseline information regarding the parental knowledge and attitude towards infant hearing loss in urban and rural areas. The outcome of this study indicates a dire need for educating and creating awareness among parents regarding the general risk factors and need for early identification and intervention.
Keywords: Hearing loss; Knowlegdge and Attitude; Risk factor.
© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2021.