Understanding Otitis Media Among Aboriginal Children in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia: An Opportunity to Improve Health Outcomes.

AIM: To assess the prevalence, clinical features and treatment of otitis media (OM) among Aboriginal children in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and to determine if a correlation exists between OM and protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB).

METHODS

Data was extracted from clinic records of Aboriginal children from four remote Kimberley communities participating in a whole-population lung health screening program during 2018-2019. Records were retrospectively reviewed 3 months before and after the screening date. OM prevalence and related complications were determined. Management was assessed against regional guidelines. The relationship between OM and the presence of PBB was assessed using chi-square testing.

RESULTS

One-hundred ninety-one children (median age 3.5 years, 48.7% female) were included. Otorrhoea and/or otalgia was documented in 14.1% of children, and 53.9% had abnormal otoscopy findings. Earwax obscured visualisation of the tympanic membrane in 31.4% of examinations. Audiometry was performed in 27.2% of children, with hearing loss detected in 46.1% of those tested. OM, including acute OM with or without perforation, OM with effusion, or chronic suppurative OM, was diagnosed in 43.5% of children. Adherence to guideline-recommended antibiotic route and duration was seen in 15.8% of children with acute OM. No association was found between OM and PBB.

CONCLUSION

Despite the absence of a relationship between OM and PBB, there is a high burden of OM among Aboriginal children in the Kimberley. Training clinicians in earwax removal and improving eardrum visualisation may enhance detection and timely treatment of OM, improving ear health disparities among Aboriginal populations.