Accessing Healthcare Services among the Deaf Community in the Sekyere South District, Ghana.

Abstract

Deaf individuals face challenges accessing healthcare due to communication barriers, a lack of interpreters, and systemic issues, leading to disparities in care quality and adverse health outcomes. The study explored the experiences of deaf individuals in accessing healthcare services in the Sekyere South District of Ghana. A cross-sectional study involving 167 deaf individuals and 20 healthcare providers was conducted using multi stage sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires, face-to-face interactions, and field observations, focusing on demographics, healthcare access, and communication barriers. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 22 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before the data collection. Most (70.1%) of the deaf participants were from the Ashanti School for the Deaf, Jamasi, 88.0% used sign language, and 70.7% accessed healthcare from public hospitals. Of the healthcare participants, 45.0% were nurses aged 18–35, and 50.0% had diplomas. About half (49.7%) of healthcare providers lacked sign language skills, leading to 34.1% of deaf participants being denied healthcare services. Due to communication barriers, 44.3% of deaf participants avoided accessing healthcare and 48.5% experienced misdiagnosis. During their last visit to a health facility, 13.8% had interpreters, 42.5% experienced discrimination, and 41.3% received incorrect treatment. Factors such as mode of communication, age, and institution significantly influence healthcare access and experiences. Sign language users were six times more likely to be denied care [AOR=5.58 (1.04–29.96), p=0.045], and younger participants (13–17 years) were five times more likely to experience discrimination [AOR=4.9 (1.50–16.01), p=0.009]. Despite these challenges, 60.0% of healthcare providers believed the facilities prioritized the needs of deaf patients. Barriers to access healthcare services among the deaf community were primarily due to the lack of sign language proficiency among providers and the absence of interpreters. These barriers result in misdiagnoses, healthcare denial, and high levels of dissatisfaction. Despite some efforts by providers, the healthcare system remains unprepared primarily to meet the unique needs of the deaf community. Health facilities should integrate visual and digital aids to support communication.