Primary non-communicable disease prevention and communication barriers of deaf sign language users: a qualitative study

International Journal for Equity in Health

Soeren Huwendiek¹  Sebastian Walther²  Severin Pinilla³  Arnd Hofmeister⁴ 

[1] 0000 0001 0726 5157, grid.5734.5, Institute for Medical Education, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;0000 0001 0726 5157, grid.5734.5, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;0000 0001 0726 5157, grid.5734.5, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;0000 0001 0726 5157, grid.5734.5, Institute for Medical Education, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland;0000 0001 0694 3235, grid.412559.e, Present address: University Hospital of Psychiatry, Bolligenstrasse 111, 60, 3000, Bern, Switzerland;0000 0004 1936 8470, grid.10025.36, Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK;

关键词: Deaf;    Non-communicable diseases;    Diabetes;    Sign language;    Communication;    Prevention;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12939-019-0976-4

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundDeaf sign language users have lower health literacy and poorer access to non-communicable disease prevention information as compared to the general population. The aim was to explore disease concepts embedded in signs, primary non-communicable disease prevention behaviour and communication barriers among members of a deaf community.MethodsA qualitative study with a social constructivist approach was conducted to explore perspectives of deaf sign language users.15 individuals, two with and 13 without history of diabetes were recruited for semi-structured in-depth interviews in sign language at a deaf community center. The interviews were video-recorded, translated and analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsDiabetes as one of the main non-communicable diseases is conceptualized differently in the manual component of signs depending on how deaf sign language users construct diabetes pathophysiologically. The disease conceptualization is not represented in the mouthing component. Health information seeking behavior varies among deaf sign language users and depends on their individual spoken and written language literacy. Overcoming communication barriers is key for developing an understanding of diabetes and other non-communicable disease prevention activities.ConclusionsTo develop barrier-free and inclusive non-communicable disease and diabetes prevention strategies for deaf sign language users, health professionals need to pay attention to sign language specific linguistic concepts. More studies are needed to better understand the specific needs of sign language users and effective strategies in health promotion contexts for sign language users.

【 授权许可】

CC BY