PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF COMMON ENT DISORDERS AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING OUTPATIENT CLINICS IN URBAN HOSPITALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/ac0yrq81Keywords:
Allergic rhinitis; Ear diseases; Environmental exposure; Occupational health; Otolaryngology; Prevalence; Risk factorsAbstract
Background: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders are among the most frequent causes of morbidity in urban populations, particularly in developing regions where environmental pollution, occupational exposures, and lifestyle changes contribute significantly to disease patterns. Understanding their prevalence and risk factors is essential for formulating effective prevention and management strategies in primary healthcare systems.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and identify major demographic and lifestyle risk factors contributing to common ENT disorders among patients attending outpatient clinics in urban hospitals of Lahore.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. Using systematic random sampling, 210 patients presenting with ENT symptoms were enrolled. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and clinical examinations, focusing on demographic variables and lifestyle factors such as smoking, earphone use, and occupational dust exposure. Outcome measures included the diagnosis of ENT disorders confirmed by otolaryngologists. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression for association analysis, assuming normal data distribution.
Results: The overall prevalence of ENT disorders was 64.3%, with allergic rhinitis (26.2%), sinusitis (18.6%), and tonsillitis (14.8%) being the most common. Smoking (AOR = 2.47, p = 0.01), occupational dust exposure (AOR = 2.15, p = 0.02), and frequent earphone use (AOR = 1.88, p = 0.03) were independently associated with higher risk. Males and individuals aged 31–50 years showed a higher disease burden compared to other groups.
Conclusion: ENT disorders are highly prevalent in urban settings and are strongly influenced by modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors. Targeted health education and preventive interventions addressing smoking, occupational exposure, and unsafe earphone practices are essential for reducing disease burden.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Kashmala Munawar, Nida Anjum Ghouri, Sulaiman Zahin Omerzai, Hamid Khurshid, Saadia Munir Qureshi, Abbas Khan Safi (Author)
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