Awareness and Knowledge of Congenital Cytomegalovirus as an Agent of Hearing Loss: A Descriptive Evidence from Nigeria

Abstract

Background Neonatal hearing loss has become a serious public health concern over the last two decades, largely because of the increasing number of reported cases associated with prelingual causes. Objective This study provided a descriptive report on the awareness and knowledge of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) as a causative agent of hearing loss in the Nigerian population. Methods The study adopted a multistage sampling procedure. Data generation for analysis was achieved using a structured research questionnaire. A questionnaire on the issue of cCMV and hearing disability was sent to a total of 324 relevant stakeholders, and 324 completed questionnaires were received in return. The data was carefully coded and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical procedures. Results Experience sharing among professional colleagues, particularly those in the healthcare sector, remains the major source of information about cCMV in Nigeria. A significant association was found between the respondents’ professional work experience, organizational type, highest educational qualifications, and awareness and knowledge of cCMV. No predictive likelihood could be established between gender differences (male or female), organizational type (private or public), and awareness or knowledge of cCMV. Conclusion Information from and experience sharing among professional colleagues, family and friends and through the internet were major sources of information about cCMV in Nigeria. Work experience, organizational type, and educational qualifications determine the level of awareness and knowledge about cCMV in Nigeria.