title: Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices related to chronic suppurative otitis media and hearing impairment in Pokhara, Nepal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nepal has a high prevalence of chronic suppurative otitis media and hearing impairment. An improved understanding of patients' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices is therefore important for effective healthcare planning and intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires designed to explore their current knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices were completed by 153 participants: 71 were affected by a known ear disease and 82 were unaffected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the unaffected group, 31.7 per cent considered breast milk to be a risk factor for ear infection. Home remedies (e.g. leaf paste, oils, and urine and/or bodily fluids) had been used by 42.3 per cent of the affected group. Most participants (71.9 per cent) believed that society discriminates against those with hearing impairment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge deficits and false beliefs were found in both groups, along with a significant use of home remedies and a perception of discrimination against people with hearing impairment. These findings are relevant for healthcare providers and may aid the development of policy, interventions and public education initiatives.
authors.affiliation: College of Medical and Dental Sciences,University of Birmingham,UK.
authors.forename: N F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Poole
authors.affiliation: College of Medical and Dental Sciences,University of Birmingham,UK.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Skilton
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT,Worcester Royal Hospital,UK.
authors.forename: T C P
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT,Worcester Royal Hospital,UK.
authors.forename: M C F
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D009390:Nepal; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: Attitudes; Ear Diseases; Health Knowledge; Hearing Loss; Nepal; Otitis; Practice