Sleep Health Among School Children in Turkey

Abstract

Objective:This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleeprelated breathing disorders (SRBDs) among school children in Kars, Turkey. A recently published study conducted in Kars province examined the SDBRs among elementary school children. In this study, the socio-demographic characteristics of children and their relationship with SRBDs were also examined. This brief report aims to introduce this published study inland.Materials and Methods:Six different schools were determined as the universe of the research, and a total of 1,421 children aged 6-13 were included in the study. A fourteen-item data collection form was used to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. An education and information seminar program on sleep disorders was conducted by the researchers before starting the data collection. The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was used on parents to determine SRBDs after this training program.Results:The mean age of the study group’s was 9.37±1.91 years (54.2% girls), the prevalence of SRBDs was 17.2%. The PSQ scores were significantly higher in boys and older age groups (9-13 years). Associations were observed between low academic achievement and breathing problems, snoring, morning headache, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, growth retardation, nocturnal enuresis, and obesity categories.Conclusion:Sleep is as crucial as nutrition in children. Children with adequate sleep patterns develop better mental and physical health. Recognizing sleep problems in the early age period and establishing good sleep practices in childhood will enable them to live healthy for many years.

Keywords

• children
• pediatric sleep questionnaire
• sleep health
• sleep related breathing disorders