Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Otitis media incidence and risk factors in a population-based birth cohort

Elaina A Macintyre1, Catherine J Karr, Mieke Koehoorn

  • 1School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia;

Paediatrics & Child Health
|September 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Otitis media is common in young children, with nearly half experiencing it. Key risk factors include young maternal age, smoking during pregnancy, and Aboriginal ancestry.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Otitis media is a primary reason for antibiotic prescriptions and physician visits in young children.
  • Understanding otitis media incidence and recurrence is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence, recurrence rates, and associated risk factors of otitis media.
  • To establish a population-based birth cohort for otitis media research.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of children born in southwestern British Columbia (1999-2000) was followed to age three.
  • Otitis media diagnosis was based on ICD-9 codes from physician visits, linked with antibiotic prescriptions.
  • Data on various demographic and socioeconomic factors were collected from multiple administrative databases.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half of the 50,474 children studied (48.6%) had at least one otitis media visit.
  • Recurrent otitis media (≥3 visits) affected 7.8% of children, with 73% of initial visits occurring in the first year of life.
  • Significant risk factors identified included Aboriginal status, maternal age <20 years, male sex, and presence of older siblings.

Conclusions:

  • Linking administrative databases effectively created a population-based cohort for otitis media study.
  • While overall incidence is low in the region, young maternal age, maternal smoking, and Aboriginal ancestry are significant risk factors.
  • These findings highlight specific populations at higher risk for otitis media, informing targeted prevention strategies.
Abstract

Keywords:
Birth cohortIncidenceOtitis mediaRisk factors

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...