Pediatric otitis media in fiji: survey findings 2015

Publication date: Available online 7 April 2016
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Te-Yung Fang, Eric Rafai, Pa-Chun Wang, Chiy-Huey Bai, Peng-Long Jiang, Shu-Nuan Huang, You-Ju Chen, Yi-Ting Chao, Chen-Hsu Wang, Chia-Hsiu Chang
ObjectiveOtitis media (OM), as a common infectious disease, is a major cause of hearing impairment among general population. OM remains a major public health threat in the Pacific islands, but the risks OM have not been thoroughly explored in this region. The objectives of this study are to investigate the prevalence, clinical features, and quality-of-life impacts of OM in Fiji.MethodsIn the medical service trip entitled "Healing and Hope - Taiwan Cathay Heart and Hearing Medical Mission to Fiji" (TCHHMMF), we conducted a cross-sectional OM survey study in Suva and Sigatoka areas (Korolevu, Cuvu, and Lomawai) in the summer of 2015. The otitis media - 6 (OM-6) was used to survey the OM-related quality of life.ResultsIn the 467 pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years-old) screened; 13 (2.78%) have acute otitis media (AOM), 37 (7.92%) have otitis media with effusion (OME), 19 (4.1%) have chronic otitis media (COM) . Age (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36-0.77) is a significant predictor of AOM. While as male (OR 2.46, 95% CI: 1.13-5.37), smoke exposure (OR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.01-7.82), and concomitant chronic sinusitis (OR 6.05, 95% CI: 2.31-15.88) are significant predictors of OME. The mean OM-6 item scores are highest in caregiver concerns (3.8), physical suffering (3.7), and hearing loss (3.4) domains.ConclusionOM is an important primary care disease in Fiji that remains under-served. It is critical to educate professionals, parents, and patients to detect and to improve care for OM.



from #ORL via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1MkSv2d
via IFTTT