Health education about external otitis in the rural area of Rio Grande do Norte: an experience report

Abstract

This article aims to report an educational health action about external otitis and its predisposing factors, focusing on education and health promotion aimed at the most socially vulnerable population. This is a descriptive experience report about an educational event promoted by medical students in the rural area of ​​the city of Mossoró/RN. The topic was presented in simplified language in the form of a discussion circle, in a participatory and dynamic manner. In addition, informative pamphlets were provided, with a playful and didactic aspect. As a result of the experience, it was observed that the patients had little prior knowledge, but there was a high interest in the activity and a high level of satisfaction in the knowledge item, measured by means of a quiz with questions about the definition and preventive measures of external otitis. However, according to the research carried out, it was seen that frequent exposure to hot and humid climates, self-induced trauma, excessive cleaning of the external auditory canal and water retention in the external meatus due to unprotected water activities are the main risk factors. Furthermore, immunocompromised patients are predisposed to developing complicated forms. Finally, the importance of educational activities in primary care was highlighted, especially in vulnerable populations, in order to prevent ear diseases and their possible serious outcomes.