Cross-Sectional Study of Cerumen Impaction Among Inmates of a Nigerian Correctional Facility

Abstract

Background: Prisoners are prone to many diseases and their complications. In most countries, prisoners are neglected, so also their ear health. This study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of wax impaction among inmates of a prison in Kaduna Nigeria. Participants and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of prison inmates at the Kaduna convict prison and a control population. All consented inmates aged 18 – 55years in the Kaduna convict prison were enrolled. Equal number of controls matched for age and gender were enrolled from the communities in Kaduna North Local Government. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants had thorough physical examination of the ear as well as otoscopy to assess the external auditory canal for presence of impacted wax. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyse the data. Test of significance was conducted with chi square test. Results: Four hundred and thirty inmates and equal number of controls matched for age and gender were enrolled for the study. The mean age for the inmates and controls were 29.7±8.1 years and 30.47±8.02 years respectively. In both groups 47 females and 383 males were enrolled, with a F:M of 1:8.1. Prisoners had wax impaction in 56 (13.0%) right ears and 55(12.8%) left ears while the general population had wax impaction in 56(13.0%) and 58(13.5%) right and left ears, respectively. Conclusion: Wax impaction showed no preponderance between the inmates and the general population.