Prevalence and Associated Factors of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2012

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common infectious condition that can cause hearing loss and persistent otorrhea. The prevalence rates of CSOM in developed countries is typically <1%, whereas developing countries and some racial groups have shown higher prevalence rates exceeding 4%. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CSOM in South Korea and associated factors using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2009–2012.

Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide health survey.

Methods Physical examination, interview, and laboratory testing were performed by the field survey team including an otolaryngologist.

Results Among the population >4 years of age (n = 25,147), the prevalence of CSOM was 3.13% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.07-3.92). Specifically, the prevalence of tympanic membrane perforation, retraction pocket, and obvious cholesteatoma was 1.78% (95% CI = 1.51-2.00), 1.21% (95% CI = 1.02-1.40), and 0.34% (95% CI = 0.24-0.44), respectively. The prevalence of CSOM increased with age (P < .001) and had a female predominance (P = .014). In a multivariate analysis of associated factors in 14,396 participants >19 years of age, hearing threshold, the presence of tinnitus, diabetes, drinking alcohol, residence in a row house, and education level of the mother were significantly associated with CSOM (P < .05).

Conclusions The prevalence of CSOM in the Korean population >4 years of age was 3.13%. Understanding of epidemiologic data and associated factors might contribute to the better management of CSOM and reducing the social burden.