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Knowledge and attitudes about otitis media risk: implications for prevention
K A Daly1, R E Selvius, B Lindgren
1Otitis Media Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Pediatrics
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Maternal knowledge about otitis media (OM) risk factors is limited. Prevention programs should target mothers with OM risk factors, focusing on young, single, and less educated individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood infection with significant health and economic impacts.
- Understanding maternal knowledge and attitudes towards OM risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess maternal knowledge and attitudes regarding otitis media (OM) risks.
- To determine the prevalence of OM risk factors in infants during their first year of life.
- To identify barriers hindering the reduction of modifiable risk factors such as formula feeding, daycare attendance, and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Main Methods:
- A systematic sample of 504 Minnesota women aged 18 years and older, identified via 1994 birth certificates, received mailed questionnaires.
- Eighty percent of the surveyed women returned completed questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Twenty-nine percent of infants (8-13 months) experienced recurrent OM (≥3 episodes), and 2% had tympanostomy tubes.
- Common risk factors included daycare attendance (46%), having a parent who smokes (29%), and short breastfeeding duration (≤2 months for 49%).
- Maternal knowledge scores correlated with demographic factors but not with infant OM history or daycare attendance. Infant OM history and white race were associated with receiving clinician advice on prevention.
Conclusions:
- Maternal knowledge regarding OM signs and symptoms was higher than for risk factors.
- OM prevention and education programs should prioritize pregnant women and new mothers, especially those who are young, single, less educated, and have infants with OM risk factors.