Moving forward in Low Resource Setting, Southern Nigeria: The Benefit of Otoscopy

Introduction: Otological conditions abound in the society. Many individuals both in rural and urban communities are unreached while some are unreachable. Most of these individuals are not aware of specialist care. Those aware do not know what to do and how to go about their problems, justifying this study.

The aim of this study was to identify common otological conditions and asymptomatic otological conditions; and to profer solutions to identified conditions in rural and urban settings in Edo and Ondo states respectively.

Methodology: This study is a 3- year prospective comparative study done in Edo State and Ondo State, from December 2019 to March 2022. It commenced after due ethical considerations, informed consent and permissions. Study centres were St. Matthias Catholic Church, Ologbo and Egbaen Community in Edo State; Oba Osemawe Palace and Kaftan TV in Ondo state, both in southern Nigeria. Total population study technique was used. Sample size was determined using Cochran formula. One hundred and forty- two individuals participated. Health education was given, a brief history was taken, thereafter, otoscopy was done. Each ear was considered a separate entity, giving a total of two hundred and eighty- four (284) ears examined. Data realized were statistically analyzed using SPSS Version 23. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Pathologies identified were treated accordingly.

Results: Age ranged from 1 to 95years. 84 females and 58 males participated. F: M = 1.4:1. Commonest otological condition was otitis media with effusion (17.96%) in both settings. Among the least were Complicated Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media, Otomycosis and Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

Predominant asymptomatic condition was Cerumen Auris (7.39%), least was foreign bodies (1.06%). Correlation between rural and urban findings were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Otologic conditions are common in both rural and urban settings including asymptomatic presentations.

Much can be achieved with simple instrument (otoscope). Hence, a call for researchers to begin with simple tools available. Don’t wait for sophisticated instruments.