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Risk factors for otitis media with effusion: case-control study in Sicilian schoolchildren
F Martines1, D Bentivegna, E Maira
1Università degli Studi di Palermo, Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche (BioNeC), Sezione di Otorinolaringoiatria, Via del Vespro, 129-90127 Palermo, Italy. francescomartines@unipa.it
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|April 26, 2011
Summary
Otitis media with effusion (OME) affects 6.8% of Sicilian schoolchildren, strongly linked to atopy, snoring, and respiratory infections. Modifiable risk factors offer primary care intervention opportunities to reduce OME prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood condition with multifactorial causes.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of OME in Sicilian schoolchildren.
- To identify demographic, maternal, and child risk factors associated with OME.
- To analyze these findings in the context of existing literature.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2097 children aged 5-14 years was studied.
- OME was diagnosed via otoscopy and tympanometry at 3-month intervals.
- Risk factors were assessed using questionnaires, skin tests, and univariate/multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- OME prevalence was 6.8%, significantly associated with atopy (OR=12.67), snoring, prior acute otitis media, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), maternal education, and breastfeeding.
- Multivariate analysis highlighted age, URTI history, and smoking exposure as significant factors.
- Factors like socioeconomic status, family size, and parental smoking were not significantly associated.
Conclusions:
- OME is a prevalent, multifactorial disease in infancy.
- Many identified risk factors for OME are modifiable.
- Interventions targeting these modifiable factors are recommended for primary care to decrease OME prevalence.
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