Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Among Patients with Otitis Externa at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Swat, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Otitis externa is a common infection of the external auditory canal frequently encountered in clinical practice. Although typically benign, its severity may increase in the presence of systemic comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes is associated with impaired immune function and microvascular changes, predisposing individuals to more severe infections, including malignant otitis externa. Despite this established association, regional data from northern Pakistan remain limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients presenting with otitis externa at a tertiary care hospital in Swat, Pakistan, and to examine associated demographic and clinical factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 at the ENT Department of Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital. A total of 196 patients with clinically diagnosed otitis externa were enrolled. Clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations, including blood glucose assessment, were performed to identify known and undiagnosed diabetes. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 196 participants, the mean age was 52 ± 14.09 years, with males comprising 57.65% of the cohort. Diabetes mellitus was identified in 47.44% of patients, including 37.6% newly diagnosed cases. A significant association was observed between diabetes and male gender (p = 0.0325). Multivariable analysis confirmed male gender as an independent predictor of diabetes (aOR = 1.82, p = 0.033), while age and disease duration were not significantly associated. Conclusion: A high prevalence of diabetes mellitus was observed among patients with otitis externa, highlighting a clinically important association. These findings support routine metabolic screening in ENT settings, particularly for patients presenting with recurrent or severe infections. Early detection of diabetes may improve clinical outcomes and reduce complications.