A Prospective Study of Acute Otitis Media in Children: 1. Design, Method and Material

Abstract

Since 1977 diagnosed attacks of acute otitis media (AOM) in children living in Malmö, Sweden, have been registered in a prospective longitudinal epidemiologic study. The study is planned to continue for about 10 years. The registration includes date of birth and date and place of diagnosis in 6 932 children with AOM as well as official data on the patient's dwelling and type of day-care within the city. In 1977 all children up to 3 years of age were registered. In each of the following 2 years a new age class was included. Since 1980 children up to 15 years have been registered. The disease was most common among one-year-olds, 29% had at least one episode during 1980. The occurrence did not vary with sex. AOM was most common during the winter season. Children living in a modern villa suburb had AOM more often than those living in the centre of the city. The occurrence of AOM was highest among children in day-care centers.