Prevalence and types of chronic suppurative otitis media among children aged six months to five years in slum dwelling of Kamwokya-Kifumbira, Kampala district

Abstract

Chronic Suppurative Otitis media(CSOM) remains one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in many developing countries, especially among poor communities. It is estimated to be responsible for 51,000 deaths of children younger than 5 years of age each year in developing countries. It commonly follows poorly treated acute suppurative otitis media. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and types of CSOM in children living in thias slum area of kampala city, and contribute to the knowledge base of CSOM and improve on health care of children, in particular, and the country in general. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study STUDY SETTING: This study was done in kamwokya-kifumbira slum, one of the mostly densely populated slums in Kampala district, Uganda. STUDY POPULATION: It involved clinical assessment for features of CSOM in 400 children aged six months to five years children. This is the most vulnerable age group among the population. OUTCOME MEASURES: The objectives were to determine the presence of tympanic membrane perforation and their position and aural plus discharge. The method used was clinical assessment of children aged 6 months to five years of features of CSOM. RESULTS: During the period between January and march 2005, 384 children aged 6 months to five years, were clinically assessed for presence of CSOM and related types of CSOM. Males were 209/384(54.4%) and females were 175/384 (45.6%) living male: female ration of 1:2:1. The age range was between 6 months to five years. The prevalence of CSOM was 51/384 (13.2%). The majority of these children had tubotympanic disease 29/54 (53.7%) while tympanomastoid disease was seen in 51/54 (0.09%) only. UTILITY OF THE STUDY RESULTS: The finding were recorded on pretested data collection sheet and analyzed. It is hoped that the results of this study will contribute to the knowledge base of the magnitude of the problem of CSOM in this age group living in slums. This will form the basis for formulation of strategies for prevention and management of CSOM, and for further research.