Cancelled Plans, Agitation Felt By Caregivers Of Children Suffering From Otitis Media

The burden of caring for a child suffering from otitis media (acute middle ear infections) has such an impact on a caregiver's quality of life that the caregiver often becomes nervous, agitated, and is forced to change their day's activities, according to a new study published in the February 2007 issue of the medical journal Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.

The results, drawn from the responses of over 150 families with children suffering from otitis media, measures the quality of life (QOL) and functional health status (FHS) of caregivers when a child is stricken by otitis media. The study's authors found that in over half the cases (52 percent), caregivers reported feeling nervous, agitated, or irritable part of the time their child was sick, while an additional 12 percent reported these feelings all of the time. Other negative effects reported include loss of sleep by the caregiver and forced changes in daily family activities. Additionally, 12 percent said they had to miss substantial time at work.

Otitis media is a common infection or inflammation of the middle ear experienced by 75 percent of children before their third birthday. It is estimated that the medical costs and wages lost because of otitis media amounts to $5 billion annually in the United States alone.

Based on these findings, the authors say their conclusions validate two new surveys for determining the impact of otitis media on a caregiver's quality of life, information that should be considered when assessing the impact of otitis media on children.

Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery is the official medical journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF).

The authors of the study are Marina Boruk, MD; Paul Lee; Yelena Faynzilbert; and R.M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH. They are associated with the Department of Otolaryngology at SUNY-HSC/Brooklyn in New York.

The study coincides with Kids E.N.T. Month, a program spanning February that aims to educate and foster new awareness of issues in otolaryngology and care that affect parents, children and their physicians. More information on Kids E.N.T. Month can be found at http://www.entnet.org/kidsent/.

About the AAO-HNSF:

The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission is: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."

American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS)
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American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery