Knowledge and Awareness of Hazards Associated with Use Cotton Buds in Saudi Community

Cotton buds are commonly used to clean the ears, remove wax, in case of itching in the ear, aural toilet in discharging ears and some time as a habit. The current study aims to explore the level of awareness and knowledge among the Saudi community regarding the hazards associated with using cotton buds for ears cleaning. A cross-sectional descriptive study had been performed on a sample composed of 93 individuals by administering a pre-designed questionnaire for two weeks period. Results had shown that there is a significant lack of knowledge and awareness among the community members regarding the hazards and further complications that could result from using cotton buds for ears cleaning. Moreover, findings of the study had shown that there is a weakness in providing the correct information and guidelines about the risk of using cotton buds. The study concluded that Saudi community has a poor awareness and knowledge levels regarding the hazards associated with the use of cotton buds, and recommends that intensive awareness campaigns are needed to educate people and increase their knowledge level.