Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Risk Factors for Otitis Media among Caretakers of Children in Puducherry- A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Otitis media is a common childhood disease in developing countries and is the most important cause of preventable hearing loss among Indian children. To study the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding risk factors for otitis media among caretakers of children in Puducherry. This was a questionnaire based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. All the caregivers of children aged 2-12 years presented or diagnosed with otitis media under our inclusion criteria were interviewed. Overall, most caretakers displayed good knowledge (67%), positive attitude (62%) and good care-seeking practices (49%). There was a positive correlation with sociodemographic parameters. The odd's ratio for overcrowding was high (OR = 4, p = 0.042 for knowledge and attitude, OR = 3.929, p = 0.041 for practices). Higher score was seen among middle class with odd's ratio 1.417 for knowledge and attitude and 4.875 for practices (p = 0.041). Graduate parents had higher score with the odd's ratio that was statistically significant. Most of the caregivers had a good knowledge regarding symptoms of otitis media and an acceptable level of caregivers' attitude and care seeking practices. Higher scores were associated with overcrowding, socioeconomic status, parental education. Improvement in risk factors and providing health education will reduce prevalence of OM in children and thereby reduce preventable hearing loss in children. center dot Otitis media is a common childhood disease in developing countries and is the most important cause of preventable hearing loss among Indian children.center dot One of the strategies to reduce the burden of otitis media and related preventable hearing loss among children is by assessing existing knowledge, attitude and practices among the care givers of children on risk factors for otitis media and creating awareness by imparting health education to fill the knowledge gap.center dot Our studied showed that caregivers had a good knowledge regarding symptoms of otitis media but didn't know about the complications. There is an acceptable level of caregivers' attitude and care seeking practices. High KAP scores were associated with SES, parental education and overcrowding.center dot Improvement in risk factors and providing health education will reduce prevalence of OM in children and thereby reduce preventable hearing loss in children.