Awareness about Risk Factors and Outcomes in Paediatric Population with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in a Tertiary Care Institute

Abstract

A serious public health issue, especially in developing nations, is chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). Complications include brain infections, speech delays, and hearing loss might result from inadequate awareness and postponed treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate treatment outcomes, risk factors, and parental awareness of CSOM in children in a tertiary care hospital. A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months on 200 pediatric patients diagnosed with CSOM at a tertiary care hospital. A structured questionnaire was used to assess parental awareness. Risk factors were analysed, and audiometric evaluations were performed to assess hearing loss. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS v25. The mean age of children was 7.5 ± 3.2 years. About 68% of parents had inadequate knowledge about CSOM, and 42% delayed seeking medical help for more than four weeks after symptom onset. The most common risk factors identified were poor hygiene (52%), upper respiratory infections (46%), bottle feeding (38%), and overcrowding (33%). Post-treatment hearing improvement was noted in 68% of cases, while 15% had persistent hearing deficits. Poor parental awareness and delayed treatment-seeking behaviour contribute significantly to complications in CSOM.  Health education and early intervention can reduce morbidity and long-term sequelae