Abstract
Purpose
We reviewed how Social Determinants of Health relate to health inequities and disparities for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs. Then, we examine links between specific sociodemographic factors (maternal age, maternal education, ‘race’/ethnicity) and hearing screening and diagnostic audiology follow-up for newborns in the U.S. and its territories.
Methods
Maternal demographic, hearing screening and diagnostic data extracted from publicly available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records were reported to CDC by personnel responsible for EHDI programs. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance and multiple regression techniques.
Results
Results showed no significant differences in screening follow-up outcomes for maternal age, education, or ‘race’/ethnicity. There was a significant difference for maternal education and 'race'/ethnicity for diagnostic follow-up outcomes, but not for age.
Conclusion
Results of this study are consistent with the findings of previous studies regarding hearing screening follow-up and diagnostic audiologic follow-up outcomes. Maternal education and ‘race’/ethnicity were linked to hearing diagnostic audiologic follow-up for newborns in the US and its territories. Suggestions for future research, policy, and practice to improve the effectiveness of EHDI efforts are provided.
Recommended Citation
Nicholson, N. Rhoades, E. A. Glade, R. E. & Smith-Olinde, L. (2022). Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Screening/Diagnosis Outcomes. Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, 7(3), 16-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/67f1-9670
Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/jehdi/vol7/iss3/4
Included in
Maternal and Child Health Commons, Speech and Hearing Science Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons
