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How chronic ear disease affects quality of life: a qualitative research study in Nepal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2022

C de Cates Open the ORCID record for C de Cates [Opens in a new window] ,
F Jashek-Ahmed ,
RB Bohara ,
C Salter  and
R Youngs Open the ORCID record for R Youngs [Opens in a new window]
C de Cates*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon, UK
F Jashek-Ahmed
Affiliation:
West Middlesex Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
RB Bohara
Affiliation:
Britain Nepal Otology Service Ear Care Centre, Nepalgunj, Nepal
C Salter
Affiliation:
Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
R Youngs
Affiliation:
International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr C de Cates, Department of Otolaryngology, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nether Mayne, Basildon SS16 5NL, UK E-mail: Catherine.decates4@nhs.net
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Abstract

Objective

Hearing loss is the third leading cause globally for ‘years lived with disability’. The majority of those affected live in low and middle-income countries.

Method

This study used qualitative research methods to explore the impact of chronic ear disease on quality of life in Nepal. Twenty face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted during a visiting ear camp at the Britain Nepal Otology Service Ear Care Centre in Nepal. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated with thematic content analysis performed manually by two researchers.

Results

Chronic ear disease has a significant impact on social interactions, emotional well-being and functionality. Barriers to surgery are cost, accessibility, reputation, gender and fear of complications.

Conclusion

This study provided valuable new insight into patient perspectives on living with chronic ear disease in Nepal. Patients with chronic ear disease experience discrimination and stigmatisation across all levels of personal, family and social life, with their function across all domains being directly limited by symptoms.

Keywords

Ear DiseasesHearing LossQuality Of LifeNepalPublic HealthQualitative ResearchGlobal Burden Of Disease
Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 137 , Issue 4 , April 2023 , pp. 390 - 397
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

*

Joint first authorship

Dr C de Cates takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

Presented at British Academic Conference of Otolaryngology, 10–12 January 2021, online.

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