ObjectivesThe present study sought to investigate the frequencies of tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and both adenotonsillectomy (T&A) among 6–12 years old children. In addition, we tried to find out the predictors associated with these previous upper respiratory tract (URT) surgeries. MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of 1900 children educated in 3 different elementary schools in Ankara, Turkey. Data about demographics and health conditions were obtained from survey questionnaires completed by parents. ResultsOf the 1900 children, 15 children (0.8%) previously underwent tonsillectomy, 43 children (2.3%) had adenoidectomy and 80 children (4.2%) had T&A surgical histories. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older students compared to younger ones [odds ratio (OR)=1.15, p=0.011], and those who had parent-reported apnea compared to subjects without apnea were more likely to have URT surgery histories [OR=2.34, p=0.001]. Those children with surgery histories were more likely to have fathers with a higher educational level [medium level: OR=2.07, p=0.012; high level: OR=2.79, p=0.001 vs. low level) and the subjects had greater BMI percentiles [overweight: OR=1.71, p=0.036; obesity: OR=2.32, p=0.003 vs. healthy weight]. Children who had 1–2 URT infections per year [OR=0.47, p=0.019] had less probability of URT surgery histories, whereas those children with AOM ≥3 times per year [OR=2.52, p=0.003] had more probability of URT surgery history. ConclusionsWe conclude that a reasonable explanation for higher rates of URT surgery among children with a high level of paternal education may originate from their awareness about URT associated diseases and possibly due to the ease of access to health care services.