Table 1.
Questionnaire data: demographics and otitis media risk factors
| Grommet | Non-otitis prone | P values | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number | 325 | 137 | – |
| Mean age in months (range) | 22 (6–36) | 21 (3–25) | NS |
| Male (%) | 203 (62%) | 98 (71.5%) | NS |
| Birthweight average: kg (range) | 3.39 (0.7–5.2 kg) | 3.36 (1.4–4.89) | NS |
| Gestational age <38 weeks | 52/325 (16%) | 32/137 (23%) | NS |
| Child's history of atopy | 61/323 (19%) | 19/137 (14%) | NS |
| Family's history of ear disease | 155 (48%) | 29 (12%) | P < 0.01 |
| Ethnicity | |||
| European | 58% | 45% | P < 0.05 |
| Maori | 22% | 18% | NS |
| Pacific Island | 12% | 15% | NS |
| Other | 8% | 23% | P < 0.01 |
| Vaccination status (%) | |||
| One or more of age-appropriate vaccinations | 315 (97%) | 134 (97%) | NS |
| Fully vaccinated | 247 (76%) | 87 (64%) | P < 0.01 |
| Full and ‘on time’ vaccination† | 140 (43%) | 41 (30%) | P < 0.01 |
| Environmental factors | |||
| Breastfed | 281/324 (87%) | 116/137 (85%) | NS |
| Exposure to cigarette smoke | 101/324 (31%) | 43/136 (31%) | NS |
| Day care attendance (>4 h/week) | 205/322 (64%) | 54/134 (40%) | P < 0.01 |
| Having any siblings | 226/324 (70%) | 88/136 (65%) | NS |
| More than five people in home | 59/325 (18%) | 23/137 (17%) | NS |
| Antibiotic use | |||
| Antibiotic use in last month | 198/321 (62%) | 51/133 (38%) | P < 0.01 |
†
‘On time’ defined as all vaccinations being given within 4 weeks of intended age: 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months and 15 months. NS, not statistically significant.