Paediatric chronic suppurative otitis media in rural Rwanda: Prevalence and parental practices

Abstract

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common paediatric ear disease in developing countries, typically resulting from an acute otitis media (AOM) that is not promptly diagnosed or treated. Home remedies using herbal medicine in rural villages may contribute to treatment delays and complications.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of children from three rural schools was conducted. Children between 6 and 14 years of age were randomly selected and screened by the lead author for CSOM between January and February 2015 by history and physical examination, including otoscopy. Parents of children diagnosed with CSOM were asked additional questions regarding their understanding of this clinical entity.

Results: A total of 461 children with a mean age of 9.8 years were screened and 17 were diagnosed with CSOM (3.6%). The majority (n = 10/17, 59%) of parents reported no understanding of the aetiology of their children’s ear symptoms and the remainder (n = 7, 41%) reported other incorrect aetiologies. Traditional home remedies such as instilling fruit juice are still common in this community. Most parents confirmed to have previously used traditional remedies at least once to treat their children for CSOM.

Conclusion: Approximately one in 25 school-aged children in rural Rwanda had CSOM at the time of this study. Parental knowledge about the causes, treatments and complications of CSOM is limited.

Contribution: This study provided insights into the prevalence of CSOM in school-aged children in the Rwandan district of Bugesera and explored current beliefs and practices among parents of children with CSOM.