Greek Deaf Report Lower Quality of Life

There is a strong relationship between health and quality of life. Because health disparities have been demonstrated for Deaf communities around the world, it can be expected that they would have a lower quality of life (QOL). However, like many health-related issues concerning the Deaf, there is a lack of research on this issue.

Tsimpida et al. measured QOL for a convenience sample of Greek Deaf (n=86), hard-of-hearing (n=54), and hearing (n=97) community members. QOL was measured with the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36v2). One of the researchers was a respected member of the Greek Deaf community, which helped foster trust and participation. The questionnaire was translated into Greek Sign Language as needed by the participants. The results showed that the Deaf scored lower on all dimensions of the QOL questionnaire (Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health). Determinants for this included the degree of hearing loss, education level, BMI, level of physical activity, and alcohol consumption. The authors conclude that a greater effort needs to be made to improve health outcomes for the Greek Deaf community.



Tsimpida, D., Kaitelidou, D., & Galanis, P. (2018). Determinants of health- related quality of life (HRQoL) among deaf and hard of hearing adults in Greece: a cross-sectional study. Arch Public Health,10.1186/s13690-018-0304-2.

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