Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in 6–9-Year-Old Children of Visnagar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing is extremely high, yet it is largely ignored. Significant adverse medical and psychological outcomes are associated with sleep-related respiratory disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treatment and an early diagnosis will aid in averting additional severe consequences. Our study aimed to assess prevalence of OSA among 6–9-year-old children in Visnagar. Methods The approval of the school authorities and ethics committee was received. A sample size of 455 was determined. Clinical inspection was used to determine the prevalence of OSA in children aged 6 to 9 years using the “FAIREST-6” and BEARS criteria. The cases were classified as mild, moderate, or severe. By employing the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, inferential statistics were calculated. Results Prevalence of 8.13% (n = 37) among sample of 453 participants was observed. Gender predilection was found to be in 43.2% (n = 16) among females and 56.8% (n = 21) among males. Those diagnosed with OSA were categorized as mild 17 (45.94%), moderate 12 (32.43%), and severe 8 (21.62%). Conclusions OSA prevalence was determined 8.13% in the Visnagar population of children and adolescents aged 6 to 9 years using the FAIREST and BEARS questionnaire.

Keywords

• prevalence
• sleep apnea syndromes
• diagnosis
• questionnaires