Maternal Factors Predicting Loss to Follow-Up from Newborn Hearing Screenings in New Jersey

Abstract

Abstract Because hearing loss in children can result in developmental deficits, early detection and intervention are critical. This article identifies a constellation of maternal factors that predict loss to follow-up (LTF) at the point of rescreening—the first follow-up for babies who did not pass the hearing screening performed at birth—through New Jersey’s early hearing detection and intervention program. Maternal factors are critical to consider, as mothers are often the primary decision makers around children’s health care. All data were obtained from the state’s department of health and included babies born between June 2015 and June 2017. Logistic regression was used to predict LTF. Findings indicate that non-Hispanic Black mothers, younger mothers, mothers with previous live births, and mothers with obesity were more likely to be LTF. Hispanic mothers and those enrolled in the state’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program were less likely to be LTF. Mothers most at risk for LTF should be targeted for intervention to help children with hearing loss achieve the benefits from early intervention. Being a WIC recipient is a protective factor for LTF; therefore, elements of WIC could be used to reduce the state’s LTF rate.