Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Tindakan Pencegahan Common Cold terhadap Kejadian Otitis Media Akut pada Siswa SMAS Al-Azhar Medan

Abstract

Background. Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is an inflammatory process occurring in the middle ear, often caused by bacterial or viral infections. One of the most common causes of AOM is an upper respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold. Viral upper respiratory infections are a primary risk factor for bacterial AOM, as viral infections create an environment conducive to bacterial replication by weakening the immune system, providing an ideal setting for bacterial growth. Awareness and preventive measures against the common cold can play a significant role in reducing the risk of AOM occurrence. Objective. To determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and preventive measures against the common cold with the incidence of AOM among students of SMAS Al-Azhar Medan. Methods. This study utilized a descriptive-analytic approach with a cross-sectional design and consecutive sampling technique among students of SMAS Al-Azhar Medan. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire survey. Results. Among 128 respondents, the level of knowledge about the common cold was categorized as good (46.9%), moderate (39.8%), and poor (13.3%). Preventive measures against the common cold were categorized as good (37.75%), moderate (47.7%), and poor (14.8%). A total of 18 respondents (14.1%) experienced AOM, while 110 respondents (85.9%) did not, indicating that the majority did not experience AOM. A Chi-Square test revealed no significant relationship between the level of knowledge about the common cold and the incidence of AOM (p-value = 0.072). However, there was a significant relationship between preventive measures against the common cold and the incidence of AOM (p-value = 0.007). Conclusion. The level of knowledge about the common cold was good, while preventive measures were moderate. The incidence of AOM among respondents was 14.1%. There was no significant relationship between the level of knowledge about the common cold and the incidence of AOM. However, there was a significant relationship between preventive measures against the common cold and the incidence of AOM among students of SMAS Al-Azhar Medan.