title: Epidemiology of otitis media in Chinese children.
abstract: From May to July 2001, 3013 Chinese children, aged 3-6 years old, from 19 kindergartens in Kaohsiung were examined for the prevalence of otitis media. A senior paediatric otolaryngologist performed examinations. Tympanometric and otoscopic records were combined for assessment of middle ear status. The prevalence rate of otitis media was 9.82% for all children, 5.24% for middle ear effusion and 5.34% for retracted tympanic membrane. The prevalence rates of otitis media in different age groups were as follows: 11.3% for 3-year-olds, 12.4% for 4-year-olds, 11.8% for 5-year-olds, and 6.1% for 6-year-olds. Considering the genetic factors and the previous history of otitis media, there was a significant difference between the normal group and the sick group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kaohsiung Municipal United Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. judith 480127@yahoo.com.tw
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ku
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000453:epidemiology; D038781:Otoscopy; D015995:Prevalence; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology