Self Ear Cleaning Among Health Workers in Nigeria

Background: Self-cleaning of ears with cotton bud is a common practice worldwide and the hazards associated with this action are well documented. Nevertheless very few studies have been done on this subject in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the prevalence of self-ear-cleaning and its sociodemographic correlates among health workers in Nigeria. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional survey conducted in a Tertiary institution in Nigeria. Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were administered on a randomly selected sample of 150 respondents. The outcome variable was self-ear-cleaning. Independent variables were sociodemographic variables, materials used and ear-cleaning habits. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 15. Results: There were 150 respondents (M:F =1:1.41). Mean age was 33.9 (standard deviation=9.12). Prevalence of self ear cleaning was 94%. Cotton buds were the most frequently used object (in 87.3%). The commonest reason for this practice was ear itching (48.7%). Majority of those who indulge in self ear cleaning own cotton buds (80%). There was strong association between self ear cleaning and sex (x 2 =8.929, P=0.004), ownership of cotton bud (x 2 =58.064, P=0.000) and those that think that self ear cleaning is beneficial(x 2 =26.600, P=0.000). Conclusion: From this study, majority of the subjects indulged in self ear cleaning and cotton bud is the commonest object used. Many of the health workers have an erroneous believe that it is beneficial. Hence, there is need for increase awareness through health education in the hospitals and other public places.