# Knowledge, Beliefs, and Treatment Practices for Otitis Media in Malawi: A Community-Based Assessment

## TL;DR

This study explores community knowledge and treatment practices for ear infections in Malawi to guide educational interventions.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into local beliefs and home remedies for otitis media, highlighting gaps in modern medical knowledge.

## Key findings

- 60% of participants had hearing loss, and 69% showed ear drainage or perforation.
- Most home remedies used did not align with modern medical practices.
- Educational campaigns involving community leaders could improve hearing health outcomes.

## Abstract

Background: Hearing-related disease is a significant cause of disability worldwide. In resource-limited settings, prevention and early detection are critical for preventing severe disease. Understanding what a population knows and believes with regards to hearing health can be critical in identifying knowledge gaps and developing targeted interventions. Objective: To assess community awareness of hearing health and otitis media (OM) treatment, both modern and traditional, to inform educational programs. Methods: A retrospective review of clinical records from 52 patients (aged 1–79 years) diagnosed with OM during a 3-day hearing health clinic in Kasungu district, Malawi was conducted. Patients diagnosed with OM during the clinic were invited to provide additional details about their hearing health. Surveys contained open-ended questions to assess knowledge and beliefs regarding the cause of their infection and therapies they had previously used for treatment, including home remedies and prescribed medications from allopathic providers or traditional healers. A WHO adapted survey on hearing knowledge was also administered. Results: Hearing loss was identified in 60% of participants. Otoscopy revealed either bilateral or unilateral drainage in 69% of participants and perforation in 73%. Confidence in understanding the causes and treatments of OM was voiced by 60% of participants and 54% had used home remedies as treatment. Of the 11 home remedies used, none aligned with modern medical practice, and only two were recommended by local herbalists. Conclusions: Hearing-related disease contributes significantly to global disability, particularly in resource-limited settings. Educational campaigns to improve hearing health knowledge offer low-cost yet impactful solutions and implementation via partnerships with community leaders and traditional healers can be critical to addressing hearing health challenges. The use of nonantibiotic antimicrobials should be explored further, as these are low-cost and readily available. However, therapeutic alliance between patients and healthcare providers remains crucial.