2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference

March 13 - 15, 2022

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3/15/2022  |   12:35 PM - 1:00 PM   |  Better Late Than Never? Maternal Biopsychosocial Predictors of Late Follow-up from New Jersey’s EHDI Program   |  Room 5

Better Late Than Never? Maternal Biopsychosocial Predictors of Late Follow-up from New Jersey’s EHDI Program

This presentation reports on the results of a study that continues to explore the maternal factors associated with the adherence to New Jersey’s EHDI program. Our primary questions in the current research were, “What maternal factors are associated with late diagnostic testing?” and “what are the characteristics of those who completed diagnostic testing late?” Data for this study came from New Jersey’s Department of Health administrative datasets, including Birth Records and EHDI systems. Variables included maternal age, level of education, whether or not the mother had health insurance, and whether or not the mother participated in the state’s WIC program. In the final modeling, maternal education (OR = 0.52), WIC participation (OR = 2.11), and health insurance status (OR = 2.04) were significantly predictive of late completion of diagnostic testing. Mothers for whom postpartum depression (OR = 1.89) was a concern were also more likely to have babies who were late. Needing to repeat a diagnostic audiological exam was most predictive of lateness (OR = 5.32). Overall model fit was strong (X2(6) = 77.71; p < 0.01), and there were no issues with multicollinearity or misspecification. Over one-third of babies who had confirmed hearing loss completed their testing late, and the majority were diagnosed with moderate losses or more severe. Delayed diagnosis has a direct correlation to the timeliness of intervention. While few babies in the sample had incomplete or inconclusive diagnostic tests, the strength of the association between the need for repeat testing and late completion of diagnostic exams needs additional attention. The nature of the test (i.e., non-sedated ABR testing), reimbursement structure for testing and education are areas that could be addressed and, thus, decrease the delay in diagnosis.

  • Identify profile of mothers whose children were most at risk for late diagnosis
  • Identify ways to provide additional intervention to encourage follow-up with mothers to obtain timely diagnosis
  • Identify the possible mechanism by which WIC program participation impacts appropriate timely diagnosis

Presentation:
3353554_15012MaryroseMcInerney.pdf

Handouts:
Handout is not Available

Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference


Presenters/Authors

Wendy Zeitlin (), Montclair State University, zeitlinw@montclair.edu;
Dr. Wendy Zeitlin teaches classes in research methods, diversity and oppression, contemporary social issues in child advocacy, and child abuse and neglect. She served as an evaluator on the New York State Social Work Education Consortium from 2007 to 2015 and the Child Welfare Workforce Initiative, funded through the U.S. Children’s Bureau from 2008 to 2015. She continues her child welfare workforce studies in conjunction with the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI). Dr. Zeitlin has authored and co-authored several research articles regarding workforce issues in child welfare and evidence-based practice and has co-authored A Toolkit for Modifying Evidence-Based Practices to Increase Cultural Competence with funding from The Nathan Kline Institute and New York State's Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. Dr. Zeitlin's research focuses on organizational research, child well-being, cultural competence, and research methods.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Maryrose McInerney (Virtual), Montclair State University, mcinerneym@montclair.edu;
Dr. Maryrose McInerney has been practicing audiology in New Jersey since 1981. Dr. Maryrose McInerney is an associate professor at Montclair State University.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.

Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.

Kathryn Aveni (), New Jersey Department of Health, Kathryn.Aveni@doh.nj.gov;
Kathryn Aveni received her Master's in Public Health from Columbia University and BS in Nursing from the University of Virginia. She is a Research Scientist and Data System Coordinator for Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services at the New Jersey Department of Health where she has worked since 2002. She also serves as a Regional EHDI Technical Assistant Network Consultant for the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -

Nonfinancial -

Rachel Scheperle (), St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis, MO. , r.scheperle@gmail.com;
Rachel Scheperle is a pediatric audiologist at St. Joseph's Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis, MO. She serves the 0-3 year-old population as a Missouri First Steps Provider and provides contractual educational audiology services for the Francis Howell School District.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf.

Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.