Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sign language use with deaf patients in Ghana

Abstract Background Deaf patients face significant challenges accessing healthcare compared to other people with disabilities due to communication barriers, which often result in misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment, and overall poorer health outcomes. Despite this, the knowledge and use of sign language by nurses globally is quite poor as many healthcare providers lack the essential training to communicate in any sign language. However, it is still unclear the knowledge, attitude and use of sign language by nurses in Ghana and the factors that determine their use. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sign language usage with Deaf patients. Methods A cross-sectional design was used. The sample size was 140 participants, comprising nurses and midwives at the Kumasi South hospital. Participants were recruited using simple random sampling. Data was analysed using STATA version 16.0 and Excel. Data was presented using descriptive and logistic regression. Results Majority of the participants ( n = 128, 91.4%) were aware of the importance of sign language, however only 31.4% had used it in practice. Logistic regression showed that nurses aged 21–25 years had significantly higher odds of having high sign language knowledge (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.24–9.45, p = 0.018), while those with 7–10 years of experience had lower odds (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.65, p = 0.010). A positive attitude toward sign language was the strongest predictor of high knowledge (AOR = 18.57, 95% CI: 7.26–48.28, p < 0.001). Although 96.4% agreed that sign language is essential for quality care, its actual use in clinical practice remained low. Conclusion Most nurses recognise the importance of sign language and have a positive attitude towards it, but its application in practice remains low. Implication for practice Strengthening nurses’ sign language competencies is likely to contribute to reducing communication accuracy, reducing medical errors, and enhancing patient-centred care for Deaf individuals. Healthcare facilities should integrate structured sign language training and supportive policies to ensure equitable and inclusive nursing practice.