To explore factors influencing assistive device uptake among persons with physical and hearing impairments in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change for audiologists in high-income settings; however, clinicians working in low- and middle-income countries or with underserved populations should document and address identified barriers (cost, stigma, access) in their counseling and service delivery models.
Identifying context-specific barriers to assistive device adoption in sub-Saharan Africa is essential for designing effective hearing healthcare policies and outreach programs in low- and middle-income countries.
- 01Qualitative study conducted in the Ashanti region of Ghana using interviews or focus groups.
- 02Barriers include cost, stigma, limited device availability, and inadequate follow-up support.
- 03Facilitators may include family support, community awareness, and access to rehabilitation services.
- 04Findings apply to both hearing and physical disability populations.
- 05Published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology (PMID 42636274; DOI 10.1080/17483107.2026.2721891).
Cost, stigma, and limited availability are key barriers to assistive device uptake in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
studysupportedSocial and family support serve as facilitators for assistive device use among persons with hearing and physical impairments in Ghana.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42636274
- DOI
- 10.1080/17483107.2026.2721891.
- Journal
- Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Persons with physical and hearing impairments in the Ashanti region of Ghana
- Intervention
- Assistive device uptake (hearing aids, mobility aids)
Primary outcomes
Barriers to assistive device adoption; Facilitators of assistive device adoption
