Deaf people’s satisfaction with health care services in the Wa Municipality, Ghana

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.