Author:
Gribben Barry,Salkeld Lesley,Hoare Simon,Jones Hannah
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood infection. Baseline data are required to evaluate potential changes in the epidemiology of AOM with new public health measures. AIM: To estimate the incidence of AOM in children under five years of age in primary care in New Zealand. METHODS: Using a cohort study design, consultation notes from 1 November 2008 to 31 October 2009 from 63 primary care facilities were analysed for new and recurrent episodes of AOM, complications, antimicrobial use and outcome. RESULTS: There were 19 146 children in the sample. The raw incidence of AOM was 273 per 1000 children (27.3%; 95% CI 216330). Of the 3885 children, 2888 (74%) had one episode of AOM and 152 (4%) of these children developed recurrent AOM. Incidence declined with age. There was no difference in incidence between Maori, Pacific and Other ethnicities. Antibiotics were used to treat 2653 (51%) AOM episodes and 113 (4.3%) of these children re-presented within three days of antibiotic therapy for persistent symptoms. Tympanic membrane perforation was the only complication noted, observed in 62 (1%) episodes. DISCUSSION: These data indicate that AOM is an important and frequent childhood infection in New Zealand. The show a significant decline in the use of antibiotics to manage AOM in concordance with accepted best practice. The complication rate of AOM is likely under-represented. This study enables future research into the effectiveness of current and future immunisations and changing management practices in New Zealand. KEYWORDS: Otitis media; incidence; child, preschool; New Zealand, antibiotic
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,General Medicine
Cited by
16 articles.
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