title: Awareness regarding otitis media in patients belonging to rural population of Raichur district, Karnataka.
abstract: The objective of this study was to assess awareness regarding otitis media in patients of rural parts of Raichur district, Karnataka. Patients of otitis media attending village health check-up camps conducted by our department were given questionnaire to assess the awareness regarding otitis media. Association between sociodemographic parameters and awareness were studied using Chi-square test. Age group of 10-30 years was the most affected. More than half of the patients had ear discharge of 5 to 15 years duration. Over 50% of the population showed ignorance with regard to the risk factors for otitis media. Earache was either disregarded (32%) or treated with home remedies by most, (63%) while a doctor's opinion was often sought for ear discharge (60%). Lack of awareness about otitis media contributes to its' high prevalence in this South Indian district. Health education is essential to reduce the disease burden.
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Shrikrishna
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Jyothi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sanjay
authors.forename: Samson G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Sandeep
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chaitanya
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D055815:Young Adult