A study of knowledge, attitude and practices about otitis media in parents in Navi-Mumbai

Although otitis media poses a serious health risk in developing countries, being a frequent occurrence in children below five years of age, parental awareness and practices about otitis media have not been adequately researched. Present cross-sectional study was undertaken in Navi Mumbai schools, from October 2019 to December 2019, wherein parents with children ≤5 years of age answered a questionnaire which gathered data on their knowledge, attitude and practices about otitis media in their wards. Chi-square tests, Cramer's V were used to study association between gender, age-group and education of parents with their knowledge, practice and attitude about otitis media. Out of 425 valid responses, overall most parents displayed adequate knowledge (77%), positive attitude (61%) and good care-seeking practices (70%). There was a positive correlation of knowledge and practice with level of education. This study shows acceptable levels of knowledge, attitude and practices in parents about otitis media. Parents who did not seek treatment from health centre attributed the behaviour to poverty, ignorance and lack of health insurance. The positive correlation of knowledge and practices with level of education highlights the importance of role of education in modifying parental awareness and care seeking behaviour. Our findings call for a need to further strengthen community-based healthcare and improve parental confidence in healthcare services for early detection and adequate treatment of otitis media.