Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Serous Otitis Media using the OM6 Questionnaire, Centro Médico Nacional Del Noroeste, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social Sonora, México

Background: To evaluate the quality of life in pediatric patients with serous otitis media using the OM6 questionnaire, in an Otorhinolaryngology service in Northwestern Mexico.

Introduction: Serous otitis media can affect balance, hearing and language development, causing poor school performance. This disease affects not only the child, but the whole family, from an economic and social point of view.

Material and methods: observational, retrospective, descriptive, transversal study. Full clinical records of the Otorhinolaryngology consultation in the northwest of the country were reviewed in the month of January 2017, ranging from 5 to 10 years old with a diagnosis of otitis media. The data were collected based on the OM6 survey. The variables of breastfeeding, exposure to cigarette smoke in the family nucleus, attendance at the nursery, family antecedent of WHO and schooling of the parents were also recorded.

Results: Of a total of 50 reviewed files. We found 39 complete clinical files. 69% were female and 31% male. 51% presented good quality of life and 49% presented poor quality of life. 36% had a history of exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a good quality of life in patients with a diagnosis of serous otitis media. A statistically significant association with breastfeeding was also found.

Keywords: Otitis media serosa; OM6 survey; Quality of life; Children