Cross-sectional Study on Pattern of Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders among School Children in a Rural Area of West Bengal.

Background: Ear, Nose and Throat diseases are common in school going children who often miss school due to these illnesses. ENT diseases have not been given due importance by majority of the school authorities. The importance of ENT diseases screening is to identify the children at-risk, which may hamper their scholastic performance, and to refer them for detailed investigation and intervention. Objectives: 1. To find out the pattern of common Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders among School children. 2. To find out the association if any regarding ENT morbidities and socio-demographic variables of the parents. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive observational type of cross-sectional design. The school was chosen by random sampling method. Data were collected by interviewing the school children with a pre-designed and pretested schedule. Clinical examinations were done with the help of a check list containing the standard answer and definition of ENT morbidities. Collected data were analysed and proportions and Chi-square test were done. Results: Among study population 52.6% were female and most of the children (63.5%) were < 14 years of age group. 61.6% having some form of ENT morbidities. Literacy status of parents and economic condition of the family were significantly associated with ENT morbidities. Conclusion: Urgent need for health education and regular Ear, Nose and Throat check-up among the school children to increase their level of awareness and knowledge regarding ENT diseases and also decrease morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]