ArticleEuropean archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery2025
Trends in the incidence and burden of otitis media in children: a global analysis from 1990 to 2021.
Article in European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Comparative efficacy of different probiotic strains and preparations for prevention of acute otitis media in children: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in nutrition · 2026Pooled it
- Molecular Characterization of the Middle Ear Microbiome in Pediatric Otitis Media with Effusion: Diagnostic and Clinical Implications.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Review
- Benchmark-Driven Clinical Decision Framework for Multi-Class Middle Ear Disease Diagnosis: Superiority of Swin Transformer in Accuracy and Stability.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Knowledge and attitude among the mothers of children in age group 1-5 years regarding childhood hearing loss.PloS one · 2026Article
- Systematic analysis of global trends in otitis media burden across Socio-Demographic Index levels, 1990-2021: findings from the global burden of disease study 2021.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Biofilm Formation and Its Relationship with the Microbiome in Pediatric Otitis Media.Microorganisms · 2025Review
- A socioeconomic perspective on the global burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (1990-2021): findings from the GBD 2021.BMC gastroenterology · 2025Article
- Reimagining grommet follow-up care: audiology-led outcomes and cost comparison with ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) and nurse-led models.BMC health services research · 2025Article
- Paediatric Otorhinolaryngological Disorders: Early Detection and Management Strategies.Cureus · 2025Article
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Hearing Loss: Mechanistic Pathways to Targeted Interventions.Biomedicines · 2025Review
- Global burden and prevalence of otitis media-induced hearing loss in children: 32-year study.European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery · 2025Article
- Bacterial profile, their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated factors of otitis media among children at selected private hospitals in Hargeisa City, Somaliland.BMC infectious diseases · 2025Article
- Distinct EEG spectral and functional connectivity patterns in obstructive sleep apnea patients with excessive daytime sleepiness.Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung · 2025Article
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7 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundOtitis media (OM) is a prevalent and serious condition in childhood, but comprehensive global studies assessing its burden are lacking.
methodsUsing data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we analyzed OM incidence cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in children aged 0-14 from 1990 to 2021. Trends were analyzed across regions, age groups, sexes, and socio-demographic index (SDI) using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC). Predictive models were used to forecast trends to 2050.
resultsThe global number of OM incidence cases in children increased from 256 million in 1990 to 297 million in 2021, a 15.97% rise. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) showed a slight increase (EAPC: 0.12). Despite some variations across age, sex, and regions, the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) declined. ASIR and ASDR were highest in children aged < 1 year and gradually decreased with age. The largest burden was observed in low- and middle-low-SDI regions, although these regions showed the greatest declines in EAPC. Correlation analysis indicated that ASDR decreases as the SDI increases. By 2050, the number of global OM incidence cases in children is projected to reach 334 million, with most of the increase concentrated in low-SDI regions, while ASIR is expected to remain stable.
conclusionAlthough progress has been made in controlling OM in children over the past 30 years, the ASIR remains high. The sustained high burden and incidence of OM in low-SDI regions, and among young children, pose a significant challenge to children's health.
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