Factors Related to the Quality of Life in the Context of Deaf Sign Language Users in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Deaf sign language users population often has been facing linguistic difficulties regarding to interacting with people who are not aware, who have not learnt about using sign language, such difficulties may have been revealing serious consequences to their social, emotional and also cognitive development. Objective: This study has aimed to analyze the factors which may be associated with the best scoring of Quality of Life (QOL) in a group of deaf Brazilian sign language (Libras) users. Methods: It is a quantitative study, whose data collection has been assessing using the WHOQOL-BREF scale and a sample profile questionnaire as well. Sixty (60) deaf Libras users, who has been living in Southern region of Brazil have participated. Statistical analysis was used by means of descriptive statistical methods and inference methods, considering the significance level of 0.05 (5%). Results: Results have evidenced that total mean scoring in the WHOQOL-BREF was 43.3%. The domain with the highest scoring was Social Relationships (64.31%), and the lowest-scoring was Environment (54.77%).