Abstract:
This study explored deaf people’s satisfaction with healthcare services in the Wa
Municipality. The study employed Phenomenological design. Twelve participants,
comprising seven males and five females were purposively sampled. Data were
obtained through interviews and analysed thematically. The results show that deaf
people in Wa Municipality have positive and negative experiences with healthcare
access. Some healthcare staff are respectful, caring, and empathetic. However, due to
communication difficulties, deaf people endure negative experiences such as
discrimination, stigmatization, poor staff attitude, and delay in health facilities.
Factors that contribute to satisfaction among deaf people include communication,
reduced waiting time, and equity in treatment. The study concluded that deaf people
are not satisfied with healthcare services in the Wa Municipality. The study then
recommended that management of health facilities within Wa Municipality should
strengthen their monitoring mechanism to identify and sanction staff with negative
attitudes towards deaf people. Again, the study recommended that management of
health facilities should organize in-service trainings for staff on areas of
communication and interpersonal relations. Finally, training to communicate using
Ghanaian Sign Language should be given to health staff as part of their training.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Special Education,
Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to the school of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirement for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Special Education)
In the University of Education, Winneba
