Level of awareness among parents and guardians about usher syndrome and deaf-blindness in Lagos state, Nigeria

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Published Jan 6, 2024
https://doi.org/10.47434/JEREDA.4.3.2023.304
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Vol. 4 No. 3 (2023)

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Olakunle Solomon Okelola
Lionheart Ability Lead International Foundation, Nigeria
Friday Ovie Azanor
Department of Education Foundations and Counselling Psychology, (Special Education Unit), Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Researches have shown that usher syndrome is the leading genetic etiology of congenital deafness combined with progressive vision loss (Deaf-blindness), most parents and guardians of learners with this condition in Nigeria are not of aware that this. 


Purpose: This study investigates parents’ level of aware of usher syndrome and Deaf-blindness in Lagos State, Nigeria.


Methodology: The study adopted a survey research design of the ex-post facto type. A total of  twenty (28) parents/guidance of leaners with deaf-blindness in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State participated in the survey. A self-structured research instrument titled Parents Awareness About Usher Syndrome Scale (PAUSS) was used for data collection. Two (2) research questions were raised to guide the study. Data were analysed using frequency count/percentage and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.


Results: Parents and guardians of leaners with Deaf-blindness are not aware of Usher Syndrome as a cause of deaf-blindness 23(82.1%). Also, parents and guardians of learners with Deaf-blindness have low awareness of genetic testing/counseling 21(75.0%).


Conclusion: This study has been able to establish that parents and guardians of learners with deaf-blindness in Lagos state are not aware of the term usher syndrome let alone aware that usher syndrome is the leading cause of Deaf-blindness.   


Recommendation: It was recommended among other that parents and guardians of persons with Deaf-blindness should be educated on the causes and prevention of Usher Syndrome and other causes of Deaf-blindness with a view to reducing the incidence of the dual disability in Lagos state and the nation as a whole and that there should be intensive training workshops to equip parents/guidance, other stakeholders and the general public with the knowledge of genetic counseling for the prevention of usher syndrome and Deaf-blindness.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Okelola, O. S., & Azanor, F. O. (2024). Level of awareness among parents and guardians about usher syndrome and deaf-blindness in Lagos state, Nigeria. Journal of Educational Research in Developing Areas, 4(3), 304-315. https://doi.org/10.47434/JEREDA.4.3.2023.304
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