Household tobacco smoking and otitis media in Konduga Area of Northeast, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Otitis media represents one of the commonest illness in childhood. Studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors for this disease. However, the true prevalence of otitis media may remain elusive because community based studies are few. Investigation of household exposure to tobacco smoke and occurrence of otitis media had also not been extensively explored in the Nigerian context. Methods: A community based study was conducted in Konduga Local Government. A multi-staged sampling procedure was used to select 400 mother-child dyads. Using an interviewer administered questionnaire, information was obtained on child's history of otitis media, socio-demographic characteristics, and household tobacco use and exposure. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to explore associations and predictors. Results: Majority of the mothers had either Quranic 194 (48.5%) or no formal education 137 (34.3%) and were predominantly artisans/traders 123(30.8%) or full housewives 221 (55.3%). Only 79(19.8%) had more than two families living together, 16% of the fathers were current daily smokers while in 31.3% of households, smoking was done on a daily basis. About a quarter (24.8%) of the children in the study had experienced otitis media while only 11.7% had more than one episode. Household daily tobacco smoking increased the odds of having otitis media up to five times (OR 4.8; 95% CI 2.5 - 9.2). Conclusion: Household level tobacco smoke exposure was significantly associated with otitis media. Mothers and children often have no control over household smoking decision, therefore proactive community awareness should be encouraged.