Gender Perspectives in Ear Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Delhi

Abstract

Background: Ear disease in children is a major public health problem in developing countries. There has been scarcity of evidence of any gender differentials, if any exists, with ear care in the Indian context. Objective: To study the gender perspectives in ear care with regard to attitude and health-seeking behavior of caregivers of children 1–10 years of age in Delhi. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an urban health center situated in the north-east district of Delhi from January to March 2015. 160 caregivers of ill children aged 1–10 years who came to seek medical care in out-patient department (OPD) constituted the study population. Chi square test or Fisher’s Exact test (wherever required) was used to observe the differences between qualitative variables. Results: The study was conducted among 160 caregivers of 87 (54.4%) male children and 73 (45.6%) female children. Mean (±SD) monthly family income was INR 7637.5±1155.30. When inquired about the attitude of caregivers about playing of their child with another child who is suffering from hearing loss, 18 (20.7%) caregivers of male children perceived that their child will also suffer from hearing loss while 30 (41.1%) caregivers of female children, agreed for the same (χ 2 =7.87, df=1, p value=0.01).