In some reports, disturbances in children's behavior -- including ADHD, restlessness, fidgetiness, destructive behavior, inattention, distractibility, dependence and impaired task orientation in classroom, and stress in mother-child relationships -- have been attributed to extensive early-life otitis media (OM). In a prospective study of child development in relation to early-life OM we monitor children closely for OM from age ≤2 mo. We administer the Child Behavior Checklist/2-3 (CBCL) to the mother of each child when the child reaches ages 2 yr and 3 yr. The test rates children's behavioral and emotional problems on 6 specific scales (Anxious/ Depressed[AD]; Withdrawn [Wi]; Sleep Problems [Sl]; Somatic Problems [So]; Aggressive Behavior [Ag]; Destructive Behavior [De]) and a miscellaneous scale. Scores (higher= more problematic) on the 6 scales and a Total Problem (TP) score are calculated. In 1995 we reported finding, in a diverse group of 1087 children, no meaningful associations between CBCL scores at age 2 yr and cumulative proportions of time with middle-ear effusion (MEE) during the 1st and 2nd years of life (Pediatr Res 1995;37:18A). In 1103 children at age 3 yr, Pearson correlations between problem scores and cumulative proportions of time with bilateral MEE and with total (unilateral + bilateral) MEE were: Table After adjusting for maternal education, sex, and race we found statistically significant positive correlations between proportions of time with MEE in the 3rd and in the 1st 3 yr of life and AD, Wi, Sl, Ag, De, and TP scores, but no R2 value greater than 0.04. Correlations between scores at 2 yr and corresponding scores at 3 yr ranged from.44 to.71 (all P≤0.01). The findings suggest that no meaningful associations exist between 3-yr-old children's behavior, as rated by their parents, and the extent of the children's prior MEE.
