| dc.description.abstract | Earwax is a cheese-like fluid consisting of desquamated cells consisting of 60% keratin , 12-20% saturated and unsaturated long-chain fat acids, alcohol, squalene and 6-9% cholesterol which is secreted in and excreted from the outer third of the cartilaginous portion of human external auditory canal. Studies have reported that the prevalence of wax impaction is 34% in a population. The main objective of this study was to establish the predisposing factors contributing to the prevalence of wax impaction among patients attending Ear, Nose and Throat clinic at JOOTRH hospital in Kisumu county. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, which used a formulated questionnaire to collect data from 35 subjects who were conveniently selected who were seeking ENT services at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Refferal Hospital. Following analyis, the study findings revealed that majority (60%) were female while 40% were males. Most of the repndents were above 50 years representing 34.3% with minority being 16-20 years and 31-35 years representing 2.9%. Out of the respondents, 37.1% were aware of wax impaction while 62.9% had no knowledge about wax impaction. Thus the study shows that awareness of wax impaction is slightly low. The study reveals that majority (68%) used cotton buds to clean their ears, 19% never cleaned their ears and 13% used feathers to clean their ears. None of the respondents used sharp objects. Again 59% of the respondents presented with ear pain, 38% presented with discharge, while 71.4 presented with itchiness. In conclusion, wax impaction can be prevented. Again, conversely, the study revealed a relatively low awareness among the respondents on contributing factors. The study recommends that health workers should create awarenss of the dangers posed by wax and advised to seek treatment earlier. | en_US |
