ABSTRACT
Introduction
Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening (UNHS) is the recommended screening test for hearing loss diagnosis.
Purpose
To perform a spatial analysis of the coverage of the Neonatal Hearing Screening (NHS) in the Northeastern of Brazil and to verify the possible association of the coverage with the number of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SLPA) maternities and reference centers in hearing health.
Methods
The reference population was of live newborns registered in the Live Birth Information System ( Sistema de Informação sobre Nascidos Vivos - SINASC). For the data collection, electronic banks were set up in the Health Information Systems. Exploratory spatial analysis was performed using TabWin software; Descriptive statistical analysis: absolute and relative distribution and weighted mean calculation; Analytical, using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests, in which a significance level of 0.05 was adopted.
Results
There was similarity throughout the Northeastern, regarding the low coverage of the NHS. The highest indices were concentrated in specific areas and there was a homogenous distribution among states. However, the states of Piauí and Paraíba stand out as to the frequency of coverage in municipalities with the NHS service. It was found an association between the coverage and the number of maternities, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and centers of reference in hearing health.
Conclusion
The low coverage of the triage prevails throughout the Northeastern, and the best coverages are found in peculiar areas, where the large population centers are located. There was association with the lack of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology enrolled in the Unified Health System, centers of reference in hearing health and the number of maternities.
Hearing; Hearing loss; Neonatal screening; Unified health system; Information systems
Subtitle: COV = coverage