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Published:
Oct 24, 2005Keywords:
risk factors otitis media Nigerian infants
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Risk factors for acute otitis media in Nigerian infants
Abstract
Objective: The risk factors for acute otitis media (AOM) have been well documented in studies mostly conducted in temperate, developed countries. The present study seeks to determine the relevance of five selectedrisk factors in a tropical developing country.
Method: A cross-sectional study of two hundred and ten (210) infants was done in Enugu, eastern Nigeria. Their mothers were interviewed with structured questionnaires.
Results: The risk for AOM increased more with pacifier use (odds ratio = 1.278) and thumb sucking (odds ratio = 1.258) than with parental smoking (odds ratio = 1.144) and day care attendance (odds ratio = 1.092).
Conclusion: It is concluded that primary prevention of AOM may be achieved by strategies that can eliminate or reduce these risk factors since they are potentially modifiable.
Keywords: Risk factors, otitis media, Nigerian infants
Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (1&2) 2005: 18-22
Method: A cross-sectional study of two hundred and ten (210) infants was done in Enugu, eastern Nigeria. Their mothers were interviewed with structured questionnaires.
Results: The risk for AOM increased more with pacifier use (odds ratio = 1.278) and thumb sucking (odds ratio = 1.258) than with parental smoking (odds ratio = 1.144) and day care attendance (odds ratio = 1.092).
Conclusion: It is concluded that primary prevention of AOM may be achieved by strategies that can eliminate or reduce these risk factors since they are potentially modifiable.
Keywords: Risk factors, otitis media, Nigerian infants
Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (1&2) 2005: 18-22
