Knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to risk factors for otitis media in a rural South Indian community

(a) To study knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to risk factors of otitis media in a rural South Indian Community where the prevalence of otitis media is high. (b) To discover the association between parental education, socioeconomic status (SES) and family type (nuclear or joint) with knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding risk factors for otitis media.

Using a cluster sampling design, the caregivers of 150 children attending daycare were interviewed to note knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to risk factors for otitis media. Data on level of education of the caregiver, house type (an indicator of SES) and type of family structure were noted. A questionnaire was administered to collect all the relevant data. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was performed to note frequencies. Correlations between sociodemographic parameters and knowledge, attitudes and practices were studied using Chi-square test of proportions.

Over 50% of the population showed knowledge deficits with regard to the various risk factors for otitis media. Caregivers from nuclear families were slightly less knowledgeable regarding lack of immunization and household smoke as risk factors for the disease. There was no correlation between any of the sociodemographic factors and attitudes. However, educated mothers were more likely than illiterate mothers to clean their children's ears of wax on a regular basis with the belief that it would prevent ear disease (p=0.05). Treatment practices in the community were more or less uniform in that earache was either disregarded (26.4%) or treated with home remedies (67.2%) by most caregivers, while a doctor's opinion was often sought for ear discharge (50%). Parents of higher SES were more likely to use home remedies than those of lower SES (p=0.008).

Sociodemographic factors as well as poor knowledge and attitudes and unhealthy practices with respect to risk factors of otitis media contribute to the high prevalence of otitis media in this rural South Indian community. Health education regarding risk factors and provision of accessible health care is essential to reduce the disease burden.