Abstract

Background: Earwax production provides a barrier against infections and affords a defense mechanism against insects and water. Many people do not have sufficient knowledge about complications of unprofessional selfear cleaning. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of self-ear cleaning among students of King Khalid University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected medical and non-medical students of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was used to study the demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-ear cleaning. Results: Out of 394 respondents, the majority (57.9%) were medical students. The mean age was 22 ± 2.8 years with a male:female ratio of 1:1. A higher proportion (55.1%) thought that ear self-cleaning is beneficial and about three-quarters of them practiced it before. Hygiene was the most common reason for practicing ear self- cleaning (45%). About two-thirds cleaned both outside and inside of their ears. Nearly half practicing ear self-cleaning did it for more than 5 years and nearly three quarters did it occasionally. Cotton bud was the most common tool used (77.7%). The majority (75.6%) did not report any complications related to their habits. About 56% had moderate knowledge, whereas 12% had poor knowledge about ear self-cleaning. Medical students showed higher knowledge and lower ear self-cleaning practices as compared to the non-medical ones. Conclusion: The relevant courses and awareness programs about ear self-cleaning practices aiming to reduce their numbers and complications should be adopted. Further studies to assess the knowledge about ear self-cleaning practices should be conducted.

Key words: Ear cleaning, self, knowledge, practices, and students.