@article{ref1,
title="Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students",
journal="Journal of public health in Africa",
year="2017",
author="Khan, Nasim Banu and Thaver, Sivashnee and Govender, Samantha Marlene",
volume="8",
number="2",
pages="e555-e555",
abstract="Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2038-9922",
doi="10.4081/jphia.2017.555",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2017.555"
}