Abstract

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of Otitis Media and its factors influencing its
occurrence among patients at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. Otitis Media is a significant
contributor to childhood mortality in developing countries like Uganda, often due to late-p
resenting intracranial complications. The majority of participants were HIV-negative, with 4
4.8% reporting positive results. 67.6% had co-morbities, while 32.4% had no co-morbidities.
Most participants denied exposure to cigarette smoke, with 65% denying exposure. A greate
r percentage were well-nourished and breast-fed, with 67/85 and 76.8% respectively. A stati
stically significant relationship was found between HIV/AIDs status, co-morbidities, malnut
rition/nutritional status, exposure to cigarette smoke, and breastfeeding. This information
could be useful in planning, resource allocation, and mitigating identified risk factors, ulti
mately improving patient outcomes.