Knowledge, Attitude And Perception of Common Mental Disorders Among Adolescents and Young People With Hearing Impairments
1
Institute of Child Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
2
Drosophila Research and Training Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria
3
AFAY Health Initiative, Ibadan, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2486
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Mental disorders are a growing public health concern among adolescents and young people; however, young people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairment, remain underserved in mental health research and programs¹,². Deaf young people face multiple barriers, including limited access to trained professionals who can communicate using sign language and inadequate support systems³. These barriers influence mental health recognition, help-seeking behaviour, and stigma⁴,⁵. This study explored the mental health knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among adolescents with hearing impairments in Ibadan, Nigeria.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in five schools that teach deaf students within Ibadan Metropolis (total mainstream, partial mainstream, and special schools). One hundred and sixty-two students with hearing impairments, without other comorbidities, aged 10-24 who understood sign language and provided consent were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using an interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire administered via KoboCollect, with trained sign language interpreters. Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward common mental disorders were assessed using adapted and validated instruments. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS version 27 at a significance level of p<0.05.
RESULTS:
Only 30.9% of participants were aware of the term “mental health,” and knowledge of common mental disorders, such as depression (16.7%) and anxiety (6.2%), was low. Overall, 68.5% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of mental disorders. Poor perception was observed in 67.9% of participants, while 50.6% exhibited negative attitudes toward individuals with mental illness. Although more than half of the respondents recognised the role of medical treatment and professional support, misconceptions regarding danger, stigma, and social exclusion persisted.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study highlights the need for targeted mental health literacy programs tailored to the specific communication needs of adolescents with hearing impairments³,⁴,⁵,⁶. integrated into school curricula and stakeholder engagement strategies to improve understanding, reduce stigma, and promote early help-seeking¹,².
Mental disorders are a growing public health concern among adolescents and young people; however, young people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairment, remain underserved in mental health research and programs¹,². Deaf young people face multiple barriers, including limited access to trained professionals who can communicate using sign language and inadequate support systems³. These barriers influence mental health recognition, help-seeking behaviour, and stigma⁴,⁵. This study explored the mental health knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions among adolescents with hearing impairments in Ibadan, Nigeria.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in five schools that teach deaf students within Ibadan Metropolis (total mainstream, partial mainstream, and special schools). One hundred and sixty-two students with hearing impairments, without other comorbidities, aged 10-24 who understood sign language and provided consent were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using an interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire administered via KoboCollect, with trained sign language interpreters. Knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward common mental disorders were assessed using adapted and validated instruments. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS version 27 at a significance level of p<0.05.
RESULTS:
Only 30.9% of participants were aware of the term “mental health,” and knowledge of common mental disorders, such as depression (16.7%) and anxiety (6.2%), was low. Overall, 68.5% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of mental disorders. Poor perception was observed in 67.9% of participants, while 50.6% exhibited negative attitudes toward individuals with mental illness. Although more than half of the respondents recognised the role of medical treatment and professional support, misconceptions regarding danger, stigma, and social exclusion persisted.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study highlights the need for targeted mental health literacy programs tailored to the specific communication needs of adolescents with hearing impairments³,⁴,⁵,⁶. integrated into school curricula and stakeholder engagement strategies to improve understanding, reduce stigma, and promote early help-seeking¹,².
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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