RESUMEN
Surveys of children aged 5--17 in a predominantly rural area showed a high prevalence of inflamed ears and perforated drums in younger subjects and of perforated and scarred drums in older subjects. Abnormal drums were associated wtih lower socioeconomic status, ethnicity and low altitude and low rainfall. Maori children had both higher incidence and lower recovery rates than non-Maori children. The wider use of trained nurses for case detection and follow up is advocated, at an estimated cost of 53 cents per child examination. Further parent education and co-ordination of nurse/audiometrist surveys are necessary.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades del Oído/epidemiología , Población Rural , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Costos y Análisis de Costo , Estudios Transversales , Enfermedades del Oído/economía , Oído Medio , Etnicidad , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Nueva Zelanda , Otitis Media/epidemiología , Pronóstico , Servicios de Enfermería EscolarRESUMEN
The outline organisation of a health survey of a secondary school is presented. The aims of the survey were primarilary to provide population data on rheumatic fever in a high incidence area, and to further knowledge of the distribution of risk factors for coronary heart disease in New Zealand adolescents. Ninety-six and a half percent coverage of the target group was achieved; non-responders were characterised from hospital and school records as being predominantly rural with greater early childhood hospital experience than respondents. The sample was considered to be representative of the adolescent population of the area.