Prevalence and risk factors of otitis media with effusion in primary school and kindergarten children in provincial and district centers of Diyarbakır

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) among primary school and kindergarten children in provincial and district centers of Diyarbakir. Methods: The study was conducted at 4 primary schools and 3 kindergartens in the city center, and at 13 primary schools in district centers. Using the combined physical examination and otoscopic and tympanometric evaluations, 256 children out of 1,763 (14.5%) were diagnosed with OME. Results: Among total OME cases (119 girls, 137 boys) 118 (46.1%) had bilateral while 138 cases (53.9%) had unilateral effusion (89 on left and 49 on right ear). The prevalence of OME among primary school students were 12.6% at the city center, 16.3% at district level schools and 15.2% among kindergarten students. Higher OME prevalence is associated with passive smoking and allergic rhinitis. Age, sex, attending kindergarten and socioeconomic status were not significantly related with OME. Conclusion: In conclusion, because of high prevalence of otitis media and its possible severe complications screening equipment should be ensured at primary level health institutions. Screening for OME should be a part of preventive health services particularly for all kindergarten and early elementary school students; and should be performed by ENT specialist or pediatricians/general practitioners trained in pneumatic otoscopic and tympanometric evaluation.