Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

COVID-19 impact on otitis media consultations and antibiotic use in general practice

Joline Lh de Sévaux1, Arief Lalmohamed2, Roger Amj Damoiseaux3

  • 1Department of General Practice & Nursing Science, Julius Center for Health Sciences and 9 Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands j.l.h.desevaux-2@umcutrecht.nl.

BJGP Open
|July 29, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Childhood otitis media (OM) consultations and antibiotic prescribing rates declined during the COVID-19 pandemic but have now returned to pre-pandemic levels. Persistent differences between the UK and Netherlands highlight variations in healthcare-seeking behavior and prescribing practices.

Area of Science:

  • General Practice
  • Pediatric Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood otitis media (OM) consultations decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Post-pandemic trends in OM consultations and antibiotic prescribing remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in OM consultations and antibiotic prescribing in the UK and Netherlands.
  • To compare pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic rates.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based cohort study utilizing electronic health records (2009-2024).
  • Inclusion of children aged 0-18 years.
  • Interrupted time series analysis adjusted for seasonality and autocorrelation.

Main Results:

  • OM consultation rates declined sharply at the pandemic's onset in the UK but remained stable in the Netherlands, both returning to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
  • Antibiotic prescribing for OM decreased during the pandemic in both countries, subsequently returning to pre-pandemic proportions.
  • Significant differences in consultation and prescribing rates persist between the UK and the Netherlands.

Conclusions:

  • Otitis media continues to represent a substantial burden in primary care.
  • Consultation and antibiotic prescribing rates for OM have recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Ongoing disparities between countries necessitate further investigation into healthcare-seeking behaviors and prescribing patterns.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19general practiceotitis media

Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
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...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.