A Qualitative Study on Perspectives of Parents and Guardians of Adult Children (18+) with Hearing Disabilities on Barriers in Healthcare Access

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to explore the perceptions of parents and guardians of adult children (18+ years) with hearing disabilities regarding barriers and communication challenges to accessing healthcare services in Kazakhstan. Methods: The study employed qualitative research design utilizing thematic analysis in semi-structured in-depth interviews with content analysis to understand the perceptions of guardians/parents. The recruitment of parents/guardians of DHH adults was conducted through social media, using purposive and snowball samplings. Results: Seven parents participated in in-depth interviews. Seven themes during the thematic analysis of the interviews were identified: 1) Communication barriers in the healthcare access; 2) Structural barriers in the healthcare access; 3) Dependence of DHH individuals on guardians/parents during accessing healthcare services; 4) Impact on quality of care received; 5) Emotional impact for the guardians and DHH patients; 6) Mitigation strategies provided by guardians; 7) Recommendations from guardians. Conclusion: Parents and guardians of adult DHH children experience communicational, structural barriers during accessing healthcare services mostly related to the absence of sign interpreters, direct communication with the patients, long waiting times, insufficiency of consultation time and lack of awareness in social and health services. Training of healthcare providers for proper communication with DHH patients, increasing awareness and sign interpreters’ implication in healthcare settings may improve the accessibility to healthcare services, raising the equity and disability-inclusive healthcare system.