Background

Treatment guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) have changed over the past 20 years. Watchful waiting is often recommended as an option for antibiotic treatment and the use of proper pain medication is emphasised.

Objective

To study parental experiences and opinions regarding the management of AOM and compare our findings with our previous questionnaire submitted in 2006.

Methods

We sent an online survey link through day-care centres and Facebook parental groups in Turku area. Children <4 years of age attending day care were included in the analysis. We asked about the child’s history of AOM, parental opinions about AOM treatment, and antibiotic resistance. Results of 2019 were compared with those of 2006.

Results

Altogether 84% (320/381) and 83% (568/681) of children had had at least 1 episode of AOM in 2019 and 2006, respectively. In 2019, more children had been treated without antibiotics (30% vs. 13%, P < 0.001) and fewer parents thought that antibiotics are necessary for the treatment of AOM (70% vs. 85%, P < 0.001) compared with 2006. The use and knowledge of painkillers had increased over the past 13 years. Painkillers had been given at least once to 93% (296/320) of children in 2019 and 80% (441/552) of children in 2006 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Today, more parents accept watchful waiting as a treatment option for AOM and give painkillers to their children, which indicates that the education about optimal management of AOM has reached parents.