Epidemiological Profiles of Acute Otitis Media at the Commune II Referral Health Center in the Bamako District

Abstract

Acute otitis media is a very common condition in children under the age of 7, most of whom suffer their first episode before the first three years of life. Despite scientific advances in its therapeutic and preventive management, this condition remains frequent and cosmopolitan, particularly in otolaryngology (ENT) and pediatric wards. In view of the possibility of disabling complications, we set out to study the epidemiological and clinical profile of this condition for the first time in the ENT department of the Commune II Reference Health Centre in the District of Bamako, Mali. This is a descriptive, retrospective study, using routine consultation data from January to December 2022. Based on exhaustive sampling, we collected 568 cases of confirmed AOM, representing an incidence of 20.63%. Patient age ranged from 3 months to 83 years, with an average of 12.49 years. Overall, the 3-7 age groups predominated, with 30.63% of cases. However, patients under 2 years of age predominate in progressive forms of the various stages. This study shows that AOM is a frequent occurrence in our department, and highlights the need for good interdisciplinary networking between pediatricians and ENT specialists in the management of AOM, in order to avoid possible recurrences and functional sequelae.