Otitis media with effusion screening in school children seasonal and socioeconomic implications

ABSTRACT

Children from four primary schools with age range 5-12 years have been screened for otitis media with effusion [OME]. Two schools were located at rural areas and the other two belonged to urban districts. Children of each school were screened at January [winter season] and at September [2000] [late summer season]. The sample in this study showed that the incidence of OME was higher during winter season than summer. Socioeconomic study showed higher incidence of OME in urban areas than rural areas. Gender effect showed male predominance for OME. The age group from 5-8 years had higher incidence for both rural and urban areas during the two seasons, i.e. summer and winter. Children 9-10 years showed another peak of incidence of OME at urban areas only during winter