Perceptions of hearing-impaired female adolescents and their mothers toward sexual and reproductive health information: A descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with disabilities represent a vulnerable population and their access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information may be different to those without disabilities. As one group with specific communication issues, hearing impaired adolescents have unique education requirements that may influence information access. However, what and how they receive this information is unclear. AIM: This descriptive qualitative study explored perceptions of female adolescents with hearing impairments and their mothers regarding SRH education. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in a special needs school in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, with seven mothers and ten female adolescents. FINDINGS: Themes from adolescents were: Embarrassment and cultural taboo in discussing sexuality, Basic understanding of reproductive health, Families and friends as sources of SRH information, and Practices and beliefs during menstruation. Themes from mothers were: Giving information on menstruation and reinforcing parental norms, Delivering reproductive health education, and Challenges in communicating reproductive health information. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that hearing impaired adolescents had limited understandings of SRH, highlighting the need for strengthened educational activities for both adolescents and their parents.

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