Evaluating Ear-Care Knowledge and Practices Among Doctors andNurses in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background: The ear serves the functions of hearing and balance in an individual. Whereas the hearing function is
articulated by the three parts of the ear, balance is performed alongside other structures by the vestibular system of the
inner ear. Acoustic trauma and drug ototoxicity affect mainly the inner ear and are usually irreversible. Aim:To assess ear
care knowledge and practices among health care practitioners (doctors and nurses) in Benue State. Methodology: The
setting was the 2021 AGM and CME/CPD of NMA, Benue State which held between 2-6th August, 2021, and a 5- days
CPD by NANNM, Benue State which took place from 1st - 5th March, 2021. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained
from the ethical committee of the BSUTH, Makurdi. The sample size of 226.8 was calculated using a previous prevalence
of 81.6% but 252 subjects were used because of 10% attrition rate. Pretested, self-administered questionnaire was
distributed to consented participants who filled and returned them same day. Data collected were analyzed and presented
in simple distribution tables. Results: They were 252 respondents but 2 had incomplete data leaving 127(50.8%) Males
and 123(49.2%) Females whose data were finally analyzed. One hundred and thirty-nine (55.6%) doctors: [Consultants53(21.2%), Medical Officers/General Practitioners-86(34.4%) and 111(44.4%) Nurses. Majority (60.8%) were unaware
that childhood immunization prevent deafness and 60.3% said that deafness could not be inherited while 58.8%
responded that a child born deaf could still develop speech. About 60.3% of the respondents did not know that hearing
loss resulting from loud noise may not recover and use of H2O2 and syringing an infected ear were regular normal
practices to many. Majority 87.9% were unaware of any warning sign of drug ototoxicity. Conclusion: A significant
percentage of the studied population exhibited inadequate knowledge and still undertakes some harmful practices that are
detrimental to good ear care. There is therefore the need to increase the exposure-time in ear, nose and throat postings
during the trainings of or embark on regular health education at CME/CPD for these category of professionals.