Prevalence and Risk Factors of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in School-Aged Children in Rural Areas

Abstract

Permanent middle ear infections known as Chronic Supportive Otitis Media (CSOM) stands as a main reason behind childhood hearing loss particularly in regions with limited resources. Three main factors which escalate CSOM prevalence include poor hygiene habits combined with delayed medical assistance and shortage of public awareness about the condition.

Objectives

to measure CSOM frequency along with its related risk elements while investigating schoolchildren who live in rural areas for the purpose of supporting prompt medical interventions and tailored preventive public health practices.

Study Design: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Place and duration of Study. Department of ENT KMU institute of medical sciences from jan 2023 to july 2023

Methods

A six-month research period within rural schools enabled this cross-sectional study to proceed. Screening with otoscopic examination of 200 children aged 5 to 15 years took place. A documentary questionnaire collected information about socioeconomic status along with hygiene habits and respiratory and ear disease heredity and previous respiratory infections. SPSS version 24.0 generated statistical analysis of the recorded data by determining frequencies and calculating means while evaluating associations between risk factors.

Results

The study diagnosed 23% of 200 examined children with chronic suppurative otitis media. Children with CSOM averaged 10.2 years in age ± 2.4 years. CSOM occurred with increased frequency in children who maintained inadequate ear hygienic practices and who experienced repeated upper respiratory infections (p = 0.031). Children with multiple siblings living in confined housing experienced more cases of CSOM. Gender did not demonstrate a statistically notable impact on the study results (p = 0.087). The affected children mostly had their ears involved only on one side with a distribution skewed toward the right ear. The reported data establishes that environmental factors together with behavioral patterns determine disease appearance.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates how school-going rural children endure substantial CSOM effects and shows that preventable risks including hygiene issues and respiratory infections and home overcrowding play an important role in its occurrence. The disease burden of CSOM will decrease when educational programs and early access to ENT care become accessible. For sustained CSOM prevention and management parents and students should take part in local educational programs in addition to creating school health initiatives.