Prevalence and management of sore throats and tonsillitis in a boarding school in Benin City

Abstract

Sore throat is a common presentation in paediatric emergency and sick bays in  schools. It is associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection, and recurrent episodes of infection may result in recurrent tonsillitis which may be complicated by sleep disorders, rheumatic heart disease and acute glomerulonephritis. Untreated or poorly treated cases can lead to recurrent episodes, absence from school and  therefore the need to study the pattern and management within the boarding schools where the parental care are lacking.
Aim: Health is key determinant factor for school entry, as well as an important factor in continued participation and attainment of future goals in life. Adequate knowledge of the pattern of sore throats and its management will lead to prompt treatment, appropriate referral and early return to learning which is the objective of this study.
Methods: This was a 3-month cross-sectional study using interviewer-administered Questionnaires among secondary school boarding students. Microsoft excel was used. Statistical analysis, quantitative variables were expressed in mean and  standard deviation and qualitative variables in percentages.
Results: A total of 564 students were interviewed and examined. Average age was 12.8918yrs ± 1.85935. Prevalence of sore throat was 89.2% (503). Average frequency of sore throat was 2.2589 ±2.10143. Symptoms were odynophagia 92.8%, cough 50.5%, and fever 36.4%. Examination revealed signs of inflammation in 387(76.94%), cervical lymphadenopathy in 6.8%. Average tonsillar size was 1.9043 ±.94880.
Conclusion: Sore Throat is common in boarding schools. Recognition of the pattern of presentation and adequate treatment will prevent complications and disruption of learning.

Keywords: Sore throat, Tonsillitis, frequency, symptoms, lymphadenopathy