A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA IN CHILDREN AMONG PARENTS IN URBAN POPULATION
1
Post graduate, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, SRM medical College Hospital and research Centre, Kanchipuram , Tamil Nadu, India. ORCID ID- 0009-0000-1941-0526
2
Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, SRM medical College Hospital and research Centre, Kanchipuram , Tamil Nadu, India ORCID ID- 000-0002-2718-1206.
3
3Assistant professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, SRM medical College Hospital and research Centre, Kanchipuram , Tamil Nadu, India. ORCID ID- 0000-0003-3903-3574.
Received: 2025-09-10
Revised: 2025-09-24
Accepted: 2025-10-08
Published: 2025-10-22
Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common infection seen mostly in childhood. Even though it is an easily curable condition, there is not much knowledge and awareness of such a disease in parents. So, this study will help to ascertain the parental knowledge and awareness of acute otitis media and the practices involved. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was done in our ENT OPD in Chennai from May 2025 to July 2025 where parents with children ≤ 5 years of age were given a questionnaire which collected data on their knowledge, attitude and practice about otitis media. Results : Out of 110 responses, overall, most parents displayed an average knowledge (47.3%), good attitude (50.9%) and positive care seeking practices (57.5%). There was also a positive correlation of knowledge and practice with education. Conclusion: This study shows acceptable levels of attitude and practice but below average of knowledge of otitis media. The need for more education about the knowledge of otitis media is needed as it is a preventable and curable disease. The positive correlation between education and practices also highlight their role in parental awareness and practice.
Acute otitis media, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Parents, Children, Awareness, Urban population, Education level.