Prevalence and reasons for non-follow-up of newborns with “Refer” results on initial hearing screening

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To determine the prevalence rate of follow-up among infants who had a "refer" result on initial newborn hearing screening and to identify reasons for default by parents or guardians.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>Design:</strong> Cross-Sectional Study<br /><strong>Setting:</strong> Tertiary National University Hospital<br /><strong>Participants:</strong> 79 parents or guardians whose newborns obtained a "refer" result on initial hearing screening were interviewed over the phone.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Among those babies who had a "refer" result on initial hearing screening, 51% followed up for repeat testing. The most common reasons for non-follow up by parents or guardians include being busy, distance from the hospital and baby's health condition.<br /><strong>CONCLUSIONS:</strong> The follow-up rate in this study is higher compared to previous figures (27%), but is still below target. The reasons for non-follow-up obtained suggest problems may exist on all levels of the healthcare system. Appropriate solutions to address these problems should be explored.</p>