Prevalence and associated socio-demographic factors of chronic suppurative otitis media among rural primary school children of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common community health disorder of childhood in all developing countries including Bangladesh. In children, it may cause significant delays in speech, cognitive, educational and psychological development.

Objectives: To determine prevalence of CSOM and its relationship with certain socio-demographic factors among rural primary school going children of Bangladesh.

Methodology: 4280 rural primary school children of palash upazilla of Narsingdi district, Bangladesh had underwent ENT check up by doctors trained in ENT and their guardians were interviewed regarding certain socio demographic factors using a pre tested protocol.

Results: 48% of them were boys and 52% were girls with a mean age of 8.8 years (SD±2.35). 5.63% of study population revealed to have CSOM and girls were relatively more sufferer than boys (6.6% vs 4.5%). Our study revealed statistically significant association of CSOM with age, sex, guardian's income, maternal education, family size, and sanitation of children. Housing though an important risk factor of CSOM but it was not evident in this study.

Conclusion: Thus, improvement of the socio-demographic status and primary ear care education to children, their teachers and guardians can prevent these vulnerable children from developing CSOM and resultant complications.