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Otitis media in day-care children. A report from the International Primary Care Network
1International Primary Care Network, Department of Family Medicine, Brown University/Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860.
Insights
Children in daycare settings have a higher risk of acute otitis media (ear infections) and related issues like hearing loss. This multinational study found increased ear infections and surgeries in daycare attendees compared to home-cared children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood illness.
- The role of daycare in AOM and its consequences requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between daycare attendance and AOM.
- To assess adverse consequences of AOM in relation to daycare.
Main Methods:
- Collaborative multinational study involving primary care networks in eight countries.
- Data collected from 1335 children (0-60 months) during visits for AOM.
- Comparison between children attending daycare and those cared for at home.
Main Results:
- Daycare children (25-60 months) showed higher rates of recurrent AOM, hearing impairment, and tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy.
- Daycare children were seen by physicians sooner and referred more often to otolaryngologists.
- Daycare attendance was associated with increased risk of AOM and its adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Daycare attendance is a significant risk factor for acute otitis media.
- Children in daycare settings experience more frequent and severe ear infection-related issues.
- Early medical consultation and specialist referrals are more common for daycare-associated AOM.
Abstract:
The relationship between day care and acute otitis media and its adverse consequences was analyzed as part of a collaborative multinational study. Data from primary care research networks in eight countries were collected on 1335 children, aged 0 to 60 months, at the time of initial visits to their primary care physicians for acute otitis media. A history of recurrent acute otitis media, poor hearing, and tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy were all more frequent in day-care children aged 25 to 60 months, compared with those cared for at home. Day-care children were brought to their physicians more promptly after the onset of symptoms and received more referrals to otolaryngologists at the time of the index visit for acute otitis media. Day care may pose a significant risk for otitis media and its adverse consequences.