Congenital hearing loss in Palestine: Mapping the socioeconomic and clinical factors on infant health in Gaza

IF 1.3 4区医学 Q3 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology Pub Date : 2025-09-05 DOI:10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112555

Khalil El-Kahlout , Abd Al-Karim Sammour , Muath Alsarafandi , Younis Elijla , Bilal Irfan , Wasiq Nadeem , Aasif Kazi , Jack Borders , Mohamad Murad

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Congenital hearing loss (CHL) is a significant chronic condition affecting children's development and communication skills. Globally, its incidence is 1.33 per 1000 newborns, but data from Gaza is limited, this study aims to investigate clinical profile, and risk factors associated with congenital hearing loss (CHL) in infants within the Gaza Strip, focusing on the period before the 2023 military escalation.

Methods

A descriptive, hospital-based, prospective study was conducted at Sheikh Hamad Hospital, involving 163 infants diagnosed with CHL. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering socioeconomic status, clinical history, and family background. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing tests such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 12 months. Socioeconomic disparities significantly impacted diagnosis timing, with lower-income families receiving earlier diagnoses. NICU admission was linked to delayed diagnosis, while neonatal jaundice accelerated it. A positive family history of hearing impairment was associated with earlier detection. Most infants (87.7 %) had profound hearing loss, and 42.3 % had a family history of hearing impairment.

Conclusion

CHL in Gaza is influenced by socioeconomic and clinical factors, with delayed diagnoses more common among infants with NICU admissions or lower socioeconomic status. The findings highlight the need for universal screening programs and consistent follow-up care to mitigate disparities and improve early detection in resource-limited settings like Gaza, especially amidst ongoing conflict and healthcare disruptions.

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巴勒斯坦先天性听力损失：绘制加沙婴儿健康的社会经济和临床因素

先天性听力损失（CHL）是一种严重影响儿童发育和沟通能力的慢性疾病。在全球范围内，其发病率为每1000名新生儿1.33例，但加沙的数据有限，本研究旨在调查加沙地带婴儿先天性听力损失（CHL）的临床概况和相关风险因素，重点关注2023年军事升级之前的时期。方法在Sheikh Hamad医院进行了一项描述性、基于医院的前瞻性研究，涉及163名诊断为CHL的婴儿。数据通过结构化问卷收集，包括社会经济状况、临床病史和家庭背景。采用SPSS 25进行统计分析，采用Kolmogorov-Smirnov、Kruskal-Wallis、Mann-Whitney和多项逻辑回归等检验。结果诊断时中位年龄为12个月。社会经济差异显著影响诊断时间，低收入家庭得到较早诊断。新生儿重症监护病房入院与诊断延迟有关，而新生儿黄疸则加速了诊断延迟。听力障碍家族史阳性与早期发现相关。大多数婴儿（87.7%）有重度听力损失，42.3%有听力障碍家族史。结论加沙地区chl受社会经济和临床因素的影响，新生儿重症监护病房入院或社会经济地位较低的婴儿更容易出现延误诊断。研究结果强调，在加沙等资源有限的地区，特别是在持续冲突和医疗中断的情况下，需要开展普遍筛查计划和持续的后续护理，以缩小差距，改善早期发现。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 医学-耳鼻喉科学

CiteScore

3.20

自引率

6.70%

发文量

276

审稿时长

62 days

期刊介绍： The purpose of the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology is to concentrate and disseminate information concerning prevention, cure and care of otorhinolaryngological disorders in infants and children due to developmental, degenerative, infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, social, psychiatric and economic causes. The Journal provides a medium for clinical and basic contributions in all of the areas of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. This includes medical and surgical otology, bronchoesophagology, laryngology, rhinology, diseases of the head and neck, and disorders of communication, including voice, speech and language disorders.