Prevalence of Ear Disorders at Rabak City, White Nile Province, Sudan, 2017

Abstract

Background: Residence to industrial areas was associated with increased risk of health problems. Lacks of epidemiological data of ear disorders were noticed among Sudanese. Objectives: This study was set out to determine the prevalence of preventable ear disorders in Rabak city, White Nile province in Sudan. Methods: A well-structured open-ended (pro forma) questionnaire was used to screen 300 participants who suffered of ear, nose and throat (ENT) complaints in the industrial area of Rabak city. Ear examinations for participants complaining of ear disorders were conducted using illuminated and pneumatic otoscope, tuning fork and pure tone audiometry. Diagnosis, risk factors and therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically and manipulated in a suitable manner. Results: Of total (n = 300), only (n = 186) fit the study criteria. About 85 (28.6%) of participants aged 20 -40 years old, whilst most 99 (33%) lived at urban-industrial part of the city. The participants who were not working 131 (43.6%) and those with basic level of education were 134 (44.6%). Otitis externa was prevalent in 50 (26.9%) of our participants. Around 44 (23.6%) were suffering of chronic otitis media and 40 (21.4%) were suffering of otitis media with effusion. Acute otitis media was detected in 27 (14.3%). Ear wax was detected in 13 (7.1%), and foreign bodies were found in 12 (6.6%) of the study population. Smoking was commonest amongst participants with otitis externa. Our results revealed that the preferred treatment modality was medical treatment and follow-up the participants which resulted in good outcome. Conclusion: Preventable ear diseases represent a significant health problem among participants of Rabak city. Amongst the ear problems, the incidence of otitis media and otitis externa due to industrial pollution was reported to be high. Creating comprehensive health education about the common ear disorders in this community can help reduce the prevalence of these conditions and is highly recommended.