CJO - Abstract - A comparative evaluation of ear diseases in children of higher versus lower socioeconomic status

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology (2006), 120: 16-19 Cambridge University Press

Copyright © 2005 JLO (1984) Limited

doi:10.1017/S0022215105001520

Published online by Cambridge University Press 05 Dec 2005

Main Articles

A comparative evaluation of ear diseases in children of higher versus lower socioeconomic status

S K Chadha ^a1^c1 , A K Agarwal ^a1 , A Gulati ^a1 and A Garg ^a1
^a1 Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India

Article author query

chadha sk [Medline] [Google Scholar]

agarwal ak [Medline] [Google Scholar]

gulati a [Medline] [Google Scholar]

garg a [Medline] [Google Scholar]

Abstract

This study was conducted with an aim to assess the prevalence and profile of ear diseases in children from the higher and lower socioeconomic strata of society. Two groups of schools within Delhi were selected. Group A comprised of government schools located in slum areas with an average parental income of INR (Indian National Rupees) 1050 per month and group B of elite private schools with an average family income of TNR 35 000 per month. Three thousand children between the ages of 5–12 years were screened with the help of a written proforma and ear examination. Tympanometry and audiometry were done, where required. 19.6 per cent of children of group A were found to be suffering from ear diseases compared to 2.13 per cent of group B children. The two groups were also compared for number of family members, status of hygiene and parental education.

(Accepted June 28 2005)

Key Words: Ear Diseases; School Children; Socioeconomic Status.

Correspondence:
^c1 Address for correspondence: Dr Shelly Chadha, C- 211, Nirman Vihar, Delhi 110092, India. E-mail: drshellychadha@rediffmail.com