FP01-1. OTITIS MEDIA IN SOUTH VIETNAM, PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY

Viggo H. Balle (Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark), Son Hoang Dang (Pediatric Hospital No 1, HCM City, Vietnam)

Objectives: Hearing impairment is a serious condition also in developing countries.The present study was intended to procure epidemiological data of otitis media in South Vietnam and to train health personnel in diagnosing and treating otitis mediaand during this improve patient treatment.

Methods: From existing vaccination lists every sixth person less than sixteen years of age in Can Giuoc area got an invitation letter to participate in the investigationThe candidates were examined by a team of ENT doctors using head lamp with lup glasses.Pathology of the tympanic membrane was registered on a flow sheet and entered into SSPS software system .Chi square and Phi coeffecient were used.

Results: 2472 children age one through fifteen years of age were examined in spring and fall 2000.The cumulated point prevalence for acute otitis media was found to be 1,4% with a maximum of 6,6% at age 2.In the age group less than six years it was 2,8%.Chronic otitis media was found to have a cumulated prevalence of 1,2%.

Conclusion: It is concluded,that the Vietnamese Health System is able to detect and diagnose otitis media.Prevalence of chronic otitis media is lower than in a similar study completed 6 years earlier,probably due to improved standard of living and better health care.The study demonstrates,that also developing countries can provide adequate earcare if given proper training.

* Contact person email: viggo.hb@tdcadsl.dk