Abstract
In developing countries, ear infections and deafness are usually neglected conditions due to insufficient funds, work force, facilities, and knowledge. This paper highlights the socio-economic burden of chronic suppurative otitis media on a northern Nigerian population with suggestions on ways to reduce this burden. Seventy-four patients presenting to the Otorhinolaryngology unit, Department of surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau state, Nigeria with chronic suppurative otitis media from June 2007 to May 2008 were evaluated for age, gender, occupation, otomicroscopy and audiologic findings, microscopy, culture and sensitivity results, cost of consultation, investigations and treatment, type of complications and the social impact on individuals. Patients were aged 2 to 37 years (Mean age=9.23 years, SD=7.92). Forty-one (55.4%) patients were aged between 1 and 5 years. There were 8 (10.8%) students, 12 (16.2%) unskilled workers, 11 (14.9%) unemployed individuals and 2 (2.7%) professionals. Deafness was the commonest sequel. Minimum monthly wage was 7,500 ($47.5US). Initial cost of treatment per patient per year was 8,100 Naira ($51.3US) increasing to 73,100 Naira ($462.7US) if surgery and hearing aid was required. Eleven (15%) patients required surgery, only 2 (2.7%) patients could afford it. Four patients lost their jobs. Fourteen (18.9%) patients were lost to follow up. The estimated cost of treatment for chronic suppurative otitis media is higher than the monthly minimum wage for individuals in our environment where the cost of health care is the sole responsibility of the patient.
Highlights
IntroductionChronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a phenomenon virtually non-existent in the developed world, still constitutes a major public health problem in children and adults in Africa, Asia and Latin America [1]
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a phenomenon virtually non-existent in the developed world, still constitutes a major public health problem in children and adults in Africa, Asia and Latin America [1]. It is an infection characterized by recurrent middle ear discharge through a persistent tympanic membrane perforation, which can be managed at the primary health care level thereby preventing the development of deafness and even fatal complications [2]
After obtaining approval from the Ethical Committee of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, 74 patients who presented to the otorhinolaryngology unit of the Jos University Teaching Hospital with chronic suppurative otitis media from June 2007 to May 2008 were evaluated for age, gender, occupation and duration of illness
Summary
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), a phenomenon virtually non-existent in the developed world, still constitutes a major public health problem in children and adults in Africa, Asia and Latin America [1]. It is an infection characterized by recurrent middle ear discharge through a persistent tympanic membrane perforation, which can be managed at the primary health care level thereby preventing the development of deafness and even fatal complications [2]. The poorer rural communities have the highest prevalence [4] It is the commonest childhood infectious disease worldwide [5] starting early in life but in our environment, presentation may be in adult life [6].
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