Risk Factors for Otitis Media in Children Referred to Abuzar Hospital in Ahvaz: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Otitis media is a frequent childhood infection, with hearing loss as a major complication.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for preventing otitis media and its sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine significant risk factors associated with otitis media in preschool children.
• To inform clinical practice and preventative strategies for otitis media.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 625 children aged six months to seven years.
• Comparison of 53 children with otitis media (cases) against 53 controls.
• Statistical analysis using chi-square tests and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Bivariate analysis identified pacifier/bottle use, working mothers, seasonal rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, tonsillopharyngitis, rhinorrhea, and adenoid hypertrophy as risk factors.
• Logistic regression highlighted pacifier/bottle use (OR=0.156), working mother (OR=0.226), seasonal rhinitis (OR=0.175), allergic rhinitis (OR=5.20), and adenoid hypertrophy (OR=1.57) as significant.
• Allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy showed the highest increased risk for otitis media.

Conclusions:

• Adenoid hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis are primary risk factors for otitis media.
• Increased pediatrician awareness and targeted interventions for these factors are recommended.
• Preventing otitis media can mitigate risks of speech and language developmental complications.