Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services for Youths with Hearing Impairment: A Case for Masvingo District in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study investigates the accessibility of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services to youths with hearing impairment in Masvingo District. Hearing influences nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from our ability to access services to the quality of our relationships. Youths with hearing impairment often struggle with significant health disparities due to poor communication competences. The qualitative approach was used and the descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The sample consisted of 20 youths and 10 counsellors from the VCT service provision departments who were purposively sampled. The youths were interviewed while the VCT counsellors responded to a questionnaire. The results of the study were that many youths with hearing impairment have not been tested for HIV infections because they experience communication barriers and their privacy and confidentiality is not guaranteed. The majority are not able to access the essential services offered to the general populace. It was recommended that access to health care services is a serious issue and that health providers should learn sign language and plan inclusive programmes in order to cater for the needs of young adults with hearing impairment.