EVALUATION OF ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA PATIENTS REPORTED IN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, CHENANI

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media or CSOM is characterized by recurrent or persistent ear discharge, or otorrhoea, for a period of 2 to 6 weeks, through the tympanic membrane perforation. Studies often present a varying incidence of CSOM, but it is the most important cause of deafness in India.  Risk factors are mainly associated with low socioeconomic status, crowded atmosphere, low parental education level, poor nutrition, frequent upper respiratory tract infection and chronic diseases.Methods: A retrospective- observational study of 300 patients of CSOM, selected from OPD of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, CHC, Chenani, Udhampur, Jammu, J&K, was conducted during August 2018 to January 2019. Detailed clinical examination was done and statistical socio-demographic analysis was performed. Associated factors of CSOM were also recorded and a resultant chart was obtained.Results: Our study showed that urban as well as rural poor were equally affected population.  Highest incidence found in the range of 11 to 20 years (36.67%), with only 54 (17.67%) cases reported for age group: 41 and above. 55.33% of cases pertained to lower Socio-economic status with major occupational incidence amongst urban labour class (82/300, i.e. 27%). The major contributing factor for CSOM came out to be the crowded living conditions (52.0%) and aseptic and unsupervised handling or ears (49.0%).Conclusions: Congestion and crowded household, bathing in contaminated ponds and canals, unsterile ear piercing, constituted significant risk factors, therefore preventive strategies and awareness program, based upon the above, should be planned to counter the burden of CSOM.Key words: Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM), Ear Discharge, Socio-demographic Status