Ear, nose, and throat disorders in a nigerian rural community

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of ear, nose, and throat with head and neck diseases in a rural community in Oyo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective community-based study of ear, nose, and throat diseases. The study was carried out over a period of 3 months (January to March 2017). Verbal consent was obtained from the village head and participants. A total of 738 individuals were enrolled into the study. Interview-assisted questionnaire was administered to obtain bio data and otorhinolaryngological history from all participants, followed by examination and investigation. Data obtained were collated and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 738 consented participants had various forms of ear, nose, and throat disorders. They constituted 435 (58.9%) males and 303 (41.1%) females, with a male: female ratio of 1:1. Majority of enrollee were dependent age groups. These age groups were 27.4% (1–10), 25.5% (11–20), and 14.1% (51–60). The occupational status revealed that 28.9% were employed; 9.3% were retired; 45.5% were children/students/apprenticeship; and 16.3% were artisans, homemakers, and farmers. Nasal diseases (34.4%) were the most common otorhinolaryngological, head and neck disorders while ear, nose, and throat with head and neck diseases were responsible for 43.4%, 14.6%, and 7.6%, respectively. The common diseases were wax impaction (11.7%), sinusitis (14.4%), and allergic rhinitis (22.6%). Less prevalent otorhinolaryngological, head and neck diseases were vertigo/balance disorder (0.9%), cervical spondylosis (1.6%), and pharyngitis/tonsillitis (2.0%). Common procedures performed included impacted earwax removal (22.8%), aural toilet/dressing (14.4%), pure tone audiometry (32.5%), tympanometry (18.4%), endoscopy (9.8%), and antral irrigation (5.7%). Referred cases of 7.2% were recorded. The barriers experienced by these villagers in seeking otorhinolaryngological, head and neck services were distance/transport (42.8%), cost of hospital service (38.4%), fear of surgery (24.1%), hospital protocol (37.0%), cumbersome investigation (17.5%), and hospital workers (27.6%). Conclusions: This study revealed that the nasal diseases were most prevalent in the community and highlighted the major challenges encountered in seeking otorhinolaryngological, head, and neck cares.