Faculty Collaboration Database

Comparison of caregiver otitis media risk factor knowledge in suburban and urban primary care environments. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2005 Jan;69(1):49-56

Date

01/04/2005

Pubmed ID

15627446

DOI

10.1016/j.ijporl.2004.08.004

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-18444373892 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   8 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There are many risk factors for otitis media. Some of these, such as passive tobacco smoke exposure and childcare arrangements; have the potential to be modified. The purpose of this study is to assess caregiver knowledge deficits about risk factors associated with otitis media and their willingness to modify behaviors associated with those risks.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This study is a prospective survey study investigating knowledge deficits of parents or guardians of children ages 6-36 months about the risk factors of otitis media. The patients were consecutively drawn from a suburban and an urban pediatric practice. Any difference in survey results between these two groups was also assessed. Participants completed a survey of 21 questions with content including demographic and OM risk factor data.

RESULTS: A total of 401 caregivers completed surveys, with 213 from an urban pediatric practice and 188 from a suburban practice. There was a significant difference in the ethnic distributions of the two populations. The suburban population had a significantly greater family history of ear infections, number of ear infections in the past 12 months, and number of previous ventilation tubes placed. The urban population had a significantly greater number of smokers in the household and decreased knowledge about day care as a risk for OM. The urban population's question responses suggested a greater willingness to change day care arrangements to reduce the risk of otitis media.

CONCLUSIONS: Both populations demonstrated knowledge deficits regarding risk factors associated with OM and both populations exhibited willingness to modify behaviors to reduce risk. These findings demonstrate that there are opportunities for improving education regarding OM risk factors and that this education could potentially reduce risk for OM and in turn reduce the incidence of OM in children.

Author List

Kerschner JE, Lindstrom DR, Pomeranz A, Rohloff R

Authors

Joseph E. Kerschner MD Provost, Executive Vice President, Dean, Professor in the School of Medicine Administration department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Albert J. Pomeranz MD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Caregivers
Child, Preschool
Cohort Studies
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Infant
Male
Otitis Media
Primary Health Care
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Smoking
Suburban Health Services
Surveys and Questionnaires
Urban Health Services
Wisconsin