Burden of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in Children of an Underprivileged Community of Delhi

Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a major cause of hearing impairment in developing countries and is the commonest cause of persistent mild to moderate hearing loss in children. In India, its prevalence varies from 3-18% in school going children. The disease mostly begins in childhood and is preventable if detected early.

The study was done to find out prevalence of CSOM among children aged 5- 14 years.

The cross sectional study was done in a resettlement colony of East Delhi (Kalyanpuri) in 2011. The systematic random sampling was the method used to select study subjects.

The overall prevalence of CSOM was 3.6% and inversely associated to age. The difference in CSOM among age groups was statistically significant. The association of recurrent upper respiratory tract infection and CSOM was found to be statistically significant. Majority (96%) subjects out of all CSOM cases were cleaning ear canal with unsafe methods and was significantly associated with CSOM.

CSOM among children in the study area is quite high but preventable. A holistic approach incorporating effective health education, better living conditions and provision of primary health care services are advocated to reduce the burden.