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Office visits for otitis media: United States, 1975-90
1Division of Health Care Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics.
Abstract:
Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey show a steady increase in the number and rate of physician office visits for otitis media over the period from 1975 to 1990. The annual visit rate during this period more than doubled, and for children under age 15, increased 175 percent. Though the increase is greatest for males under age 2, there are substantial increases for males and females under age 15. Reasons for this dramatic increase are not readily apparent. Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), however, suggest that the increased visit rate may reflect an increase in the incidence of ear infections. According to NHIS data, the incidence of acute ear infections among the U.S. population increased by about 40 percent between 1982 and 1990, from 6.1 to 8.6 conditions per 100 persons per year. This compares with an increase of about 52 percent in the physician office visit rate for otitis media, from 1980 to 1990. (Because of gaps in data collection, it is not possible to compare precisely concurrent time periods.) The under 15 age group, which accounts for about 80 percent of otitis media physician office visits, experienced a 60 percent increase in office visit rate from 1980 to 1990. This parallels data from the NHIS that show a 60 percent increase in the incidence of acute ear infections among the under 17 age group from 1982 to 1990. The reporting of an acute ear infection in the NHIS does not necessarily equate to an incidence of otitis media, but the parallel increases in ear infection incidence and otitis media physician visits are mutually supportive and likely to be related.
Insights
Physician visits for otitis media (ear infections) significantly increased from 1975-1990, especially in children under 15. This rise in doctor visits appears linked to a concurrent increase in actual ear infection incidence.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Physician office visits for otitis media (ear infections) demonstrated a consistent upward trend between 1975 and 1990.
- The annual visit rate for otitis media more than doubled during this period, with a notable 175% increase for children under 15.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in physician office visits for otitis media.
- To investigate potential correlations between otitis media visit rates and the incidence of ear infections.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) for visit trends.
- Employed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to assess ear infection incidence.
Main Results:
- Physician office visit rates for otitis media increased by approximately 52% from 1980 to 1990.
- The incidence of acute ear infections rose by about 40% in the U.S. population between 1982 and 1990.
- Children under 15, accounting for 80% of visits, saw a 60% increase in otitis media visit rates (1980-1990), mirroring a 60% rise in acute ear infections in those under 17 (1982-1990).
Conclusions:
- The parallel increases in physician visits for otitis media and reported ear infection incidence suggest a likely relationship.
- While not definitive, the data support the hypothesis that rising ear infection rates contribute to the increased healthcare utilization for otitis media.