Assessment of risk factors of chronic suppurative otitis media in children.

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a major health problem throughout the world in underdeveloped and developing countries including India. The present study was conducted to assess the risk factors of chronic suppurative otitis media in children. Materials & Methods: 320 patients of chronic suppurative otitis media of age ranged 6-15 years of both genders were included. Otoscopic examination was done. Pure tone audiometry was performed. Clinical risk factors and predisposing factors were recorded. Results: There were 180 males and 140 females. Families with >5 children were seen in 32%, smoking father in 41%, illiterate mother in 21%, bathing in dirty pond water in 17%, family history of ear discharge in 22% and living in congested houses in 15%. Socioeconomic status (SES) was lower in 14%, upper‑lower in 46%, lower‑middle in 30%, upper‑middle in 4%, high in 6%. Other risk factors were upper respiratory infection in 2%, nasal allergy in 4%, chronic tonsillitis in 12% and sinusitis in 7%. Conclusion: Common risk factors for CSOM in children were families with >5 children, smoking father, illiterate mother, bathing in dirty pond water, family history of ear discharge and living congested houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]