Influence of Social Inclusion on Prejudice Reduction for Individuals with Hearing Impairment and Autism in Healthcare Settings in the South West Region of Cameroon

This study investigates the role of social inclusion practices in healthcare settings in reducing prejudices against individuals with hearing impairments and autism in the South West Region of Cameroon, focusing on the municipalities of Buea, Limbe, and Tiko. It involved 150 participants, including patients with hearing impairments, healthcare workers, and therapists. The primary aim was to explore how social inclusion can help reduce prejudice and improve communication and treatment outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative data were obtained through Likert-scale questionnaires administered to healthcare workers and patients, addressing issues such as understanding patient needs, communication tools, inclusion in decision-making, and discriminatory practices. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews to gain deeper insights into challenges related to inclusive healthcare provision. The study also employed a correlational research design. Results for Hypothesis (1) indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between inclusive practices and reduced prejudice. Hypothesis (2) showed that inadequate training and lack of resources significantly hindered the delivery of quality care, with systemic barriers correlating with reduced effectiveness (p < 0.05). The study recommends healthcare worker training and policies ensuring access to communication tools like sign language interpreters. Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and expand findings to other regions.