Prevalence And Clinical Presentation Of Otitis Media Among Febrile Children In Iganga Hospital

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Otitis media is a suppurative infection of the middle ear cavity due to bacterial pathogens like

Streptococcus pneumonia, nontyable Haemophilus Influenzae and M. catarrhalis. There is a strong

relationship between upper respiratory tract infections and otitis media, with the former

predisposing children to the latter. This relationship is also reflected in the prevalence of the two

conditions such that otitis media is the most common childhood disease after respiratory tract

infections (Behrman and Vaughan, 1983).

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was quantitative done in Iganga Hospital during

the month of August 2014. The study focused on children between 6 months and 5 years who

presented with fever to the outpatient department in the hospital. All the information collected was

analysed by Microsoft Excel and the data was represented in form of tables and a pie chart.

Results

The prevalence of otitis media was 18% and the age group mostly affected was between 6-12

months. The majority of the affected participants were females. Upper respiratory infections and

perforated ear drum were the commonest clinical findings.

Prompt treatment of any upper respiratory tract infection can greatly lead to a decline in the

prevalence of otitis media.

Conclusion

The prevalence which was found to be 18% was low compared to the global prevalence which was

about 60% however this proportion can further be lowered if there is a routine screening of children’s ears especially those presenting with fever.

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