Knowledge and care seeking practices for ear infections among parents of under five children in Kigali, Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundInfections affecting the middle ear are a common childhood occurrence. Some cases may present with ear discharge through a tympanic membrane perforation which may heal spontaneously. However, up to 5% or more cases of those affected have persistent ear discharge. A number of barriers contribute towards delayed presentation at health facilities for treatment of ear infections. We conducted a study to evaluate parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge and care seeking practices for ear infections in children under five in Gasabo district in Kigali, Rwanda.MethodsParents/guardians (n = 810) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to elicit their knowledge of ear infections in children under five and their attitude to seeking care for their children.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 31.27 years (SD = 7.88, range 17–83). Considering an average of knowledge parameters which included causes, symptoms, prevention, treatment and consequences of ear infections, we found that 76.6% (622) of respondents were knowledgeable about ear infections. We defined a positive practice as seeking medical treatment (community health workers or health facility) and this was found in 89.1% (722) respondents. Correlating knowledge with choice of seeking treatment, respondents were 33% less likely to practice medical pluralism (OR = 0.33, CI 0.11–0.97, P = 0.043) if they were familiar with infections. Moreover, urban dweller were 1.7 times more likely to know ear infections compared to rural dwellers (OR = 1.70, CI 1.22–2.38, P = 0.002).ConclusionThe majority of respondents had good knowledge and positive attitudes and practices about ear infection. However, medical pluralism was common. There is need to improve the community’s awareness and access to primary health care facilities for the care of ear infections especially in rural areas of Rwanda.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12901-017-0040-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role of community health workers in addressing the global burden of ear disease and hearing loss: a systematic scoping review of the literature

“…The initial search yielded 674 articles, which reduced to 420 after removal of duplicates (see online supplementary table 3). After screening of abstracts, 356 studies were excluded and after full-text review a further 30, leaving 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria 21 22 30–65. Further details are in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow chart (figure 1).…”

Formal education about hygienic aural care and the relationship between aural hygiene awareness and practices: a cross-sectional study from a super-speciality hospital in West Bengal, India

“…However medical pluralism was common. 8 Adult population practiced bathing in pond water, selfadministration of ear drops procured over the counter, along with oil and other unknown chemicals. Self-ear cleaning and getting the ear cleaned by indigenous ear cleaners in villages is common.…”

Hearing Lossin resource-limited settings: The Silent Overlooked Epidemic In Sub-Saharan African Children

“…[13] Moreover, most parents show low awareness with regards to ear and hearing health. [14,15] In countries where Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs have not been introduced, raising awareness on HLwill stimulate healthcare providers and mothers/parents to look out for potential causes and signs, enhancing chances for prevention as well as seeking medical attention early in life for better outcomes. [16] Prevention strategies Three levels of prevention have been described [17][18][19]: Primary prevention comprising protective measures such as immunisation against diseases transmitted in-utero, diseases such as meningitis, safe delivery, avoidance of noise and other avoidable causes of HL.…”

“…[30] Other common infections causing HL include meningitis, measles, mumps, Influenza, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, infectious mononucleosis, syphilis. To prevent HL caused by infections, there is dire need for awareness among patients, caretakers and health professionals, [14] early and proper diagnosis, effective treatment and timely forward referrals when need arises.…”