Publication: Prevalence of otitis media in school going children in Eastern Nepal
Date
2006
Authors
Maharjan, M
Bhandari, S
Singh, I
Mishra, SC
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Objectives: To find out the prevalence of otitis media in school going children from lower socio-economic strata.
Material and methods: This study was carried out in a government school, Shree Naragram Secondary School in
Morang district, eastern Nepal, and included 1050 children aged between 5-15 years.
Results: Of the 1050 school children, 346 children were found to have various ENT related problems. Hearing
assessment revealed a conductive hearing loss on one or both sides in 114 cases (87%). Various middle ear
pathologies were detected in these children, out of which chronic suppurative otitis media "Tubotympanic type" was
the most common, followed by otitis media with effusion. The prevalence of otitis media in these children was
found to be13.2% and those with hearing loss comprised 12.47%. Prevalence of otitis media is found to be much
higher in school going children as compared to adults, and is even higher amongst children belonging to the lower
socio-economic strata. Conditions complicating otitis media are more common and severe in children as compared
to adults.
Conclusion: Primary ear care education to teachers, students and guardians can prevent these vulnerable children
from developing hearing impairment. School based study could be one of the useful and cost-effective modality
aimed at community oriented program.
Key words: otitis media, Prevalence
Description
Maharjan M 1, Bhandari S 2, Singh I 3, Mishra SC 4
1Lecturer, Department of ENT, Kathmandu Medical College,
2Associate Professor,
3,4Professor, Department of ENT, BPKIHS