Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Otitis media with effusion: A Cross-Sectional Study Among the General Chinese Population

Abstract Background Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent ear condition imposing a notable public health burden yet remains inadequately addressed. Understanding the community's comprehension and attitudes toward OME is pivotal for public health strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning OME among the Chinese populace and gauge the educational demand for OME information.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 973 participants in China. All participants were interviewed using an online questionnaire which was consisted of 34 questions, and tested their knowledge, attitude and practices on OME. Based on estimated knowledge scores, the general public was divided into low, moderate, and high knowledge levels. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the data.Results Results from 973 valid responses revealed that most participants lacked sufficient knowledge (68.0%) but held positive attitudes (83.8%) and displayed good care-seeking practices (80.2%) toward OME. The mean knowledge score was 23.64 ± 9.87 out of 58 points, with gender, age, and marital status influencing knowledge levels (P < 0.05), favoring women and those aged 25–35. Nearly eight out of ten respondents indicated positive medical practices when experiencing OME symptoms. A significant 83.8% expressed a desire for health education, with most concerned about OME prevention.Conclusion This study found that the general population in China lacks sufficient knowledge about OME, underscoring the importance of health education. However, most individuals still exhibited positive attitudes toward and practices regarding OME. Emphasizing the importance of healthcare education and promoting the benefits of active medical practice models in OME is crucial.