Prevalence of otitis media with effusion among school age children in rural parts of Konya province Turkey

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OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the current prevalence of serous otitis media (SOM) among school age children living in rural areas of Konya province located in southern Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study which was conducted between October 2012 and January 2013 included 2,352 children (1,179 males, 1,173 females; mean age 8.9±2.8 years; range 4 to 15 years) who attended 36 different primary schools in rural parts of the Konya province. Otologic complaints, findings, and tympanometry results were recorded. Diagnosis of SOM was obtained based on history, symptoms, abnormal otoscopy and tympanogram findings. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of SOM was 4.6%. The highest prevalence was at the age of four (11.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of SOM at the age of six (11.1%). The overall prevalence was higher in males (6.17%) compared to females (3.16%) in all age groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to the literature, overall prevalence of SOM in our study was lower. Development of preventive and therapeutic strategies in the first step health care service may have a considerable effect on this low rate.