Implications of entrepreneurial education, self-efficacy and personality traits on the entrepreneurial intentions of deaf/hard of hearing students post COVID-19 lockdown.

BACKGROUND: Implications of entrepreneurial education (EE), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and personality traits (PT) on the entrepreneurial intentions of the deaf is yet unknown in existing literature. OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of EE, ESE and PT on the entrepreneurial intentions among some 250 Deaf and Hard of hearing (DHH) students from two post-secondary institutions in Oyo state, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive research design was adopted, while a structured paper questionnaire was used for data collection. The data generated were analysed using descriptive statistics and the inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression at a 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: The entrepreneurial intentions of DHH college students had a significant positive correlation with EE (r = 0.18, p < 0.05), agreeableness (r = 0.23, p < 0.05), and conscientiousness (r = 0.19, p < 0.05); but had a negative correlation with ESE, neuroticism and openness. Furthermore, personality traits and ESE were the highest predictors of entrepreneurial intention among DHH college students. CONCLUSIONS: Personality traits were the greatest predictor of the entrepreneurial intention of DHH college students post the COVID-19 lockdowns in Nigeria. Therefore, higher education institutions should intensify their efforts in entrepreneurial education and parents of DHH students should encourage them to seek entrepreneurial opportunities.

Televised Interpreted COVID-19 Briefings and Deaf Viewers: A Preliminary Investigation of Associated Concerns

Since its emergence, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has placed a strain on human existence and social interactions. With its disruptive potentials, basic information on COVID-19 is essential for all including those who are deaf. However, until now access to COVID-19 related information to the deaf via sign language on television vis-à-vis quality and comprehensibility of deaf viewers remains a concern. Hence, the researchers initiated this study to explore and to provide understanding to concerns about COVID-19 press briefing as perceived by the Nigerian deaf community. The study adopted a qualitative research design using a semi-structured interview, this study found that visibility, incomplete interpretation, inadequate knowledge of deafness and deaf communication processes were factors that influenced perceived quality of televised interpreted PTF COVID-19 briefings. Participants had partial comprehension of interpreted COVID-19 briefings. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.