Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is among the most common infections in children, particularly in developing countries where specific guidelines for treating conditions like AOM are often lacking.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of the general population in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia regarding AOM and its treatment, and its association with other different sociodemographic variables (age, gender, and educational level).
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 409 participants in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire distributed online. The obtained data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25.
Results: A sample of 409 participants, predominantly female (67.7%) and aged between 18 and 30 years (61.1%), completed an Arabic-language questionnaire distributed via social media. The results revealed that while 31.5% of participants recognized bacteria as the primary cause of AOM, there was significant variability in understanding the condition’s symptoms and treatment. Alarmingly, 41.1% of participants incorrectly believed that AOM always requires antibiotic treatment, highlighting a common misconception. Additionally, 37.7% acknowledged the potential for antibiotic resistance with frequent use. Notably, the internet was identified as the most important source of information by 65.3% of respondents. A significant association was found between the number of children and knowledge levels, with participants having 4-7 children showing the highest percentage of good knowledge.
Conclusion: The study concludes that despite some awareness, a substantial proportion of participants exhibited limited knowledge about AOM, particularly regarding its causes and potential for spontaneous resolution. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve understanding of AOM and promote the appropriate use of antibiotics, emphasizing the condition’s natural course and the risks associated with the overprescription of antibiotics and the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Key words: Acute otitis media, Al-Baha, Pediatric, infection, knowledge, practice
|
