Epidemiology of otitis media in a local tropical African population
Amusa, Y.B.; Ijadunola, I.K.T.; Onayade, O.O.
West African Journal of Medicine 24(3): 227-230
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0189-160X PMID: 16276700 Document Number: 584491
A study was conducted to establish the community prevalence of otitis media and to identify associated environmental and the host risk factors in Nigerian children. This study was conducted in a semi urban community of Ife Central Local Government area of Osun State, Southwestern part of Nigeria. 600 children aged 0-12 years were investigated. There were 299 males and 301 females. The prevalence of otitis media was found to be 14.7%. This comprises of acute otitis media in 11.8%, chronic suppurative otitis media in 2.5%. Otitis media with effusion was diagnosed in less than 1%. The peak age of incidence was in the age group 1-4 years (9.2%), and the least age of occurrence was found in the age group less than 1 year (1.7%). There was no statistical association between the duration of breastfeeding practice and occurrence of otitis media among the subjects (P>0.05). There was no statistical association between the occurrence of otitis media and immunization (P>0.05). However, there were 3 children who had otitis media associated with measles infection. A highly significant association was shown between exposure to household cooking fuel (wood smoke) and the occurrence of otitis media (P<0.05). Mother's educational status and number of children sleeping in the same room (greater than 4) were found to demonstrate a strong association with the occurrence of otitis media (P<0.05).