By Masozie Taonga Nyirenda, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy

Abstract

Early detection of hearing loss in newborns is critical for timely intervention to allow for speech, language, and cognitive development. Newborn Hearing Screening (NHS) is a standard practice in many high-income countries.  However, its implementation remains limited in many low- and middle-income settings, including Malawi. As frontline maternal and child health providers, midwives play a vital role in identifying at-risk newborns and facilitating early referrals. Their knowledge and attitude towards hearing screening is paramount to successfully implement and integrate NHS into routine newborn care. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of midwives regarding newborn hearing screening at Kamuzu Central Hospital. A questionnaire comprising of 26 questions relating to the significance of NHS was administered to 17 nurses working at Ethel Mutharika Maternity wing. Most participants (70.5%) showed limited knowledge regarding NHS but demonstrated positive attitude with a mean score of 3.8. The positive attitude offers a strong foundation for successful implementation but there is need to address existing knowledge gaps through targeted trainings and strengthening health system support to enhance early detection and timely intervention for childhood hearing loss.

Keywords: Newborn hearing screening (NHS), Kamuzu Central Hospital, permanent hearing loss, midwives’ knowledge and attitude, early intervention, midwives’ nurses.

Download the full Research Work: 
Nyirenda, M. (2026). Midwives Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Newborn Hearing Screening at Kamuzu Central Hospital. SAERA