An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Aural (Ear) Health of a Community in Manila

Pabayos GM

Published on: 2022-02-10

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to study the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards aural health by the head of household in one of the communities in Manila. This study also aimed to determine the association between exposure to ear problems to their knowledge, attitudes and practices towards aural health.           

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done using self-administered validated questionnaire, which was filled out by the head of each household in a community in Manila. The questionnaire obtained data on the sociodemographic profile of the participants, exposure to ear symptoms and on the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards aural health. And were analyzed.

Results: There were 26 males and 33 females with male to female ratio of 1:1.27, age ranging between 24 and 77 years (Mean= 46.27 years; SD=+/- 15). Majority of the respondents were in the poor to lower middle income range (84.76%), and reached and finished college (55.9%). Out of 59 respondents, 40 has had exposure to any or all ear symptoms. Accordingly, 36 of the respondents or any member of their household members experienced ear pain, 22 had ear itchiness, and 9 had experienced foreign body stuck in the ear. 58 out of 59 respondents uses cotton buds to clean their ears. However, p value > 0.05 finding no significant association between exposures to any ear problems with improvement to their knowledge, changes in attitudes, and modification of their practices towards aural health. Furthermore, upon assessing the responses, 88.14% of the population believes that presence of cerumen is dirty and is unhealthy. Also, based on the results, most respondents were noted to have poor health seeking behavior regarding aural health.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the community’s exposure to ear problems is not associated with the overall improvement in their knowledge, attitude and practices towards ear health. As well as, there is poor knowledge, attitude and practice towards the practice of ear care. Sex, Income and educational background does not necessarily affect knowledge, attitude and practice towards ear health. Aural health education and/or information dissemination is therefore needed to avoid preventable damages to the ears.