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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
A longitudinal study of risk factors for otitis media in African American children
Susan A Zeisel1, Joanne E Roberts, Margaret Burchinal
1Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-8180, USA. susan_zeisel@unc.edu
Insights
Childhood otitis media with effusion (OME) risk increases with age and more children in the home. Group child care also poses a risk for OME in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent pediatric health concern.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of age, child care type, household size, and household smoking on the risk of OME in children.
- To analyze the relationship between these factors and the duration of OME.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 86 African American children from infancy to 48 months.
- Biweekly ear status assessment using pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry.
- Collection of risk factor data every six months.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in OME proportion was observed between 6 and 48 months of age.
- Children in center-based child care exhibited a slightly slower OME decline rate.
- Child's age and the number of siblings under 12 were significant predictors of OME, with each additional sibling increasing OME risk by 2%.
Conclusions:
- While group child care attendance is a risk factor for OME, children's age and household size remain significant contributing factors.
- These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of OME risk in early childhood.
Objective:
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common health care problem for children. The purpose of this study was to examine factors that place children at risk for OME such as age, type of child care, number of people in the household, and smoking in the household.
Methods:
Eighty-six African American children, enrolled in center-based child care in infancy, entered the study at a mean age of 8.2 months and were followed prospectively until 48 months of age. Ear status was documented biweekly using pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry. Data on risk factors were collected every 6 months.
Results:
Results indicated that children had a marked decrease in the proportion of time with OME between 6 and 48 months. The rate of OME decline was faster in the first 2.5 years than in subsequent years. Children in center-based child care showed a slightly slower rate of decline than did children in non-center-based care. Longitudinal analysis indicated that the age of the child and the number of other children in the household were significant predictors of OME. For each additional child under 12 years of age in the home, there was a 2% increase in the proportion of time with OME.
Conclusion:
While attendance in group child care predicted a risk for OME, children's age and the number of other children in the household were still contributing risk factors for OME.
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