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Screening for otitis media with effusion in Chinese schoolchildren: a pilot study
V Yue1, M Chi Tai Tong, C A van Hasselt
1Prince of Wales Hospital, Department of Surgery, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Insights
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children. This pilot study found a 1.56% prevalence in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren, lower than Western populations, informing future epidemiological research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a frequent pediatric ear condition.
- Myringotomy with grommet insertion is the most common pediatric surgery globally.
- Prevalence data for OME in Chinese children is limited compared to Caucasian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the point prevalence of OME in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren.
- To provide preliminary data for designing larger epidemiological studies in this demographic.
- To offer insights into screening methodologies for OME in Chinese children.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study was conducted on 255 Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren aged 6–7 years.
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) prevalence was assessed using established screening criteria.
- Data collection focused on identifying children with OME within the study cohort.
Main Results:
- A point prevalence rate of 1.56% for OME was identified in the studied group.
- This prevalence is notably lower than figures reported in Western Caucasian children (2.3%–14%).
- The study highlighted potential challenges in population-based OME screening.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of OME in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren appears lower than in Western populations.
- These preliminary findings are crucial for sample size calculations in future epidemiological studies.
- The study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and screening of OME in Chinese children.
Abstract:
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common childhood otological condition. The treatment of OME with myringotomy and grommet insertion is the commonest surgical procedure performed on children worldwide. Although the figure for the prevalence of OME is widely known in Caucasian children, figures are lacking for Chinese children. A pilot study for the prevalence of OME in Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren was undertaken by the investigators on a group of 255 children with ages ranging from 6 to 7 years old. A point prevalence rate of 1.56% of OME was found. This is noticeably lower than studies in the West where the reported prevalence ranges from 2.3% to 14% in age compatible children. The epidemiology of OME and the methodology for population screening of OME are reviewed and discussed. The preliminary findings of this study would be a useful indicator for the estimation of study group size in a full epidemiological study of OME in Chinese children as well as providing valuable insight into the technical difficulties involved.