Related Experiment Videos
Point prevalence of type B tympanogram in Riyadh
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Secretory otitis media (SOM) is common in children, affecting their overall well-being. This study found a 10.9% prevalence of SOM in children aged 1-8 years, linked to age, season, and infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Secretory otitis media (SOM) significantly impacts children's health and development.
- Accurate prevalence data for SOM is limited, hindering effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the point prevalence of secretory otitis media (SOM) in children aged 1-8 years.
- To identify factors associated with SOM prevalence in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study involving a random sample of 4214 children aged 1-8 years.
- Utilized type B tympanometry as an indicator for SOM prevalence.
- Collected data on age, sex, season, allergies, socioeconomic status, and co-occurring infections.
Main Results:
- The point prevalence of unilateral and bilateral type B tympanograms was 5.7% and 8.1%, respectively.
- The overall prevalence per ear was 10.9%.
- Prevalence correlated with age, season, and concurrent ear/upper respiratory tract infections; no correlation with sex, allergy, or socioeconomic status was found.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial epidemiological data on SOM prevalence in children.
- Age, season, and infection status are key factors influencing SOM occurrence.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and further research into SOM's multifactorial etiology.
Abstract:
Secretory otitis media (SOM) is primarily a disease of children which can have deleterious effect on their medical, social, educational and psychological welfare. It is well known that SOM is a common disease, but exact figures about its prevalence and incidence are scarce and fragmentary. In this community study, we determined the point prevalence of type B tympanogram as an indication to the prevalence of SOM. The study population consisted of a random sample of 4214 children aged 1-8 years. The point prevalence rates of unilateral and bilateral type B tympanogram among the children were 5.7% and 8.1%, respectively. The point prevalence rate per ears (a total of 8428) was 10.9%. The prevalence was found to be related to the age, the season and to the occurrance of the ear and upper respiratory tract infections. No correlation was found in relation to sex, allergy or the socio-economic condition. The findings are discussed in the light of studies conducted elsewhere.