Risk Factors Responsible for Acute Otitis Media in Infancy and Children Less than Five Years: A Case-control Study

Introduction: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most frequent diagnosis in sick children visiting clinician's offices and the most common reason for administration of antibiotics. To highlight the relationship between AOM and its risk factors and its significance if any in children <5 years. Methods: A case-control study of 200 children where 100 children with AOM and 100 children without ear disease coming to out-patient department (OPD) were assessed. Results: Analysis showed significant statistical risk factors of AOM such as low birth weight, siblings with otitis media, bottle feeding, recumbent feeding, passive smoking at home, day care attendance, chronic tonsillitis. Conclusion: There are significant risk factors associated with AOM, which can give rise to serious complications. By identifying the modifiable risk factors, the clinician could inform parents regarding measures to avoid these factors.