ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the obstetric and pediatric residents are aware of newborn hearing screening; To determine whether the obstetric and pediatric residents are knowledgeable regarding newborn hearing screening; To compare the results as a function of the type of training institution (private or government). STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study SETTING: Randomly selected tertiary hospitals in the National Capital Region METHODOLOGY: A structured questionnaire pertaining to the awareness and basic knowledge of newborn hearing screening was distributed to tertiary hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Republic of the Philippines. All obstetric and pediatric residents of each of the tertiary hospitals were the respondents of this study. Frequencies were determined from the respondent's responses to the questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 175 questionnaires distributed, there were 134 respondents (86 pediatrics and 48 obgyne) Eighty (93 percent) pediatric residents were aware of newborn hearing screening but only 43 (50 percent) of pediatric residents were knowledgeable of the hearing test. Thirty five (73 percent) of obstetric residents were aware of newborn hearing screening and only 5 (10 percent) were knowledgeable about the hearing test. Majority of those who were knowledgeable are from private institutions (79.2 percent) as compared to respondents from government institution (20.8 percent). CONCLUSION: A majority of obstetric and pediatric residents were aware of the newborn hearing screening but only a third of respondents had basic knowledge of the hearing test. Of those who were knowledgeable, most were training in private institutions where the machine was available. It is essential for the physician to be both aware and knowledgeable about newborn hearing screening to counsel and educate parents about the importance of early identification of and intervention for congenital or newborn hearing problems. A program to provide more knowledge regarding newborn hearing screening among pediatric and obstetric residents should be therefore developed. (Author)