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Effect of otitis media on development: a community-based study
B Knishkowy1, H Palti, B Adler
1Department of Social Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
Insights
Recurrent otitis media (6+ episodes) in early childhood is linked to lower developmental scores and hearing test failures. Early identification and intervention for otitis media are crucial for child development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Otitis media is a common childhood infection.
- Recurrent otitis media may impact child development.
- Early surveillance programs are vital for identifying health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of recurrent otitis media in young children.
- To assess the association between recurrent otitis media and developmental outcomes.
- To highlight the importance of early intervention for otitis media.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 233 children was monitored until age 3 within a community program.
- Otitis media history, including episode frequency, was recorded.
- Developmental Quotient and Stanford Binet scores were assessed at 2 and 3 years, respectively.
Main Results:
- Recurrent otitis media (≥6 episodes) was more common in children of lower socioeconomic status, lower maternal education, and shorter breastfeeding duration.
- Children with recurrent otitis media had higher rates of failing the 7-month hearing test.
- Significantly lower mean Developmental Quotient and Stanford Binet scores were observed in children with recurrent otitis media, even after controlling for confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent otitis media is associated with adverse developmental and hearing outcomes in early childhood.
- Risk factors for recurrent otitis media include socioeconomic status, maternal education, and breastfeeding duration.
- Early identification and intervention for otitis media are essential to mitigate long-term effects on child development.
Abstract:
Otitis media history until age 3 years were recorded for 233 children as part of the surveillance in a Community Program for Promotion of Growth and Development (PROD) conducted in a western neighborhood of Jerusalem. Recurrent otitis media (6 or more episodes) occurred more frequently among children who were of North African or Asian origin, of lower social class and maternal education, and whose duration of breast feeding was less than 26 weeks. Children with recurrent otitis media also failed the 7-month hearing test more frequently than other children. The mean Developmental Quotient score at 2 years and the mean Stanford Binet score at 3 years were statistically significantly lower among children with recurrent otitis media, even after controlling for maternal origin and length of breast feeding. These findings underscore the importance of early identification and early intervention for otitis media.