Global burden of childhood otitis media attributable to secondhand smoke from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2021

While there has been a general decrease in the global burden of childhood otitis media linked to secondhand smoke exposure. Certain regions (notably Central Asia, North Africa/Middle East, and Oceania) continue to experience a disproportionately high burden. These findings call for continued investment in public health strategies that not only limit SHS exposure but also address healthcare access gaps in underserved populations.