Unveiling challenges faced by deaf parents in engaging in parenting programs: Results from international deaf awareness week and International Day of Sign Language celebrations in Uganda

Background This study addressed the dearth of research on parenting programs for deaf parents, focusing on Uganda's context. With a qualitative approach during International Deaf Awareness events, it explored the challenges faced by Uganda's 1.3 million deaf population, emphasizing the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate initiatives to bridge existing gaps and support deaf parents effectively. Methods This qualitative study, conducted during Uganda's International Deaf Awareness events, explored challenges faced by deaf parents engaging with parenting programs. Purposively selecting participants, the research used in-depth interviews, employing thematic content analysis for data interpretation. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were paramount. Reflexivity was acknowledged to address researchers' biases. Results The thematic content analysis of challenges faced by deaf parents in accessing parenting programs revealed significant barriers. Prominent issues included unemployment, financial constraints, societal discrimination, limited awareness of specialized programs, educational barriers, geographical inaccessibility, cultural factors, lack of sign language skills, stigma, and dissatisfaction with existing programs. These multifaceted challenges underscored the need for tailored interventions to support deaf parents and address the unique requirements of raising deaf children. Conclusion The study during Deaf Awareness Week in Uganda revealed global challenges for parents of deaf children, emphasizing socioeconomic, societal, and awareness-related barriers.