Longitudinal observations (1987-1997) on the prevalence of middle ear disease and associated risk factors among Inuit children of Inukjuak, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada.

The prevalence of middle ear disease in 2-6 year old children in 1997 was compared with that observed in 1987 in the same Inuit community in northern Quebec. Risk and protective factors associated with middle ear disease were also assessed. A total of 122 children participated. The assessments included: otological examination, cerumen sampling for analysis of organochlorine compounds, medical file review, and parent questionnaire regarding environmental and lifestyle factors. Comparison of ear examination results in 1997 and 1987 showed that there had been no change in the prevalence of chronic otitis media [9.4% to 10.8%] and proportion of ear drums with minimal scarring [45.6% to 45.4%], an increase in the proportion of normal ear drums [23.9% to 39.0%], a decrease the proportion with maximal scarring [17.8% to 2.0%] and little difference in the rate of serous otitis media [3.3% to 2.8%]. Factors found to be significantly associated with middle ear disease included: number of persons/bedroom, number of siblings with a history of ear disease, age at first, second and third visit to the nursing station for ear problems, and type of milk (formula vs. non-formula) in bottle fed children.