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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
The Relationship Between Obesity and Otitis Media with Effusion in Children
Saleh Aghaei1, Bijan Khademi1, Mohammad Faramarzi1
1Otolaryngology Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Insights
Pediatric obesity is linked to an increased risk of otitis media with effusion (OME). Children with OME showed higher BMIs and weight, suggesting a correlation between excess weight and this common ear condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent childhood condition globally.
- Understanding risk factors for OME is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity in children and the risk of developing otitis media with effusion.
- To identify pediatric obesity indicators correlated with OME incidence.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study conducted in Shiraz, Iran, involving children aged 2-15 years.
- Comparison of anthropometric data (age, weight, height, BMI, BMI percentile) and gender distribution between OME and non-OME groups.
- Logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with OME presence.
Main Results:
- The OME group exhibited significantly higher mean age, weight, height, BMI, and BMI percentile compared to the non-OME group.
- A statistically significant higher proportion of males was observed in the OME group.
- Older age, male gender, and elevated BMI percentile were significantly associated with OME.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a significant correlation between pediatric obesity and an increased risk of otitis media with effusion.
- Obesity, indicated by higher BMI percentile, is a key risk factor for OME in children.
Introduction:
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a widespread condition affecting children globally. This study aimed to assess the relationship between obesity in pediatric populations and the risk of developing OME.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective observational study was performed in 2020 at Khalili and Dastgheib hospitals, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, Iran. The study included all children aged 2 to 15 years with a confirmed OME diagnosis. Participants in the non-OME group were chosen from children who did not have OME.
Results:
A total of 148 healthy individuals were included in the non-OME group, while the OME group comprised 110 patients. Statistical analysis revealed that the mean age (p=0.040), weight (p<0.001), height (p=0.024), BMI (p=0.023), and BMI percentile (p=0.023) were significantly greater in the OME group compared to the non-OME group. Additionally, there was a higher proportion of males in the OME group (63.6%) compared to the non-OME group (44.0%), with this difference being statistically significant (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that factors such as older age (p=0.023), male gender (p=0.001), and elevated BMI percentile (p=0.004) were significantly associated with the presence of OME.
Conclusion:
This research indicates that there is a correlation between obesity and a heightened risk of OME.
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