Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in 6- to 12-year-old children in Rajanagaram Mandal – A cross-sectional study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is episodes of recurrent, sleep-related partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway, which is accompanied by a decrease in oxygen saturation. The prevalence of sleep apnea is high, and significant adverse effects are associated with this. Hence, the current study assessed the prevalence of sleep apnea in Rajanagaram Mandal. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 1289 children aged 6-12 years was selected from the primary schools of Rajanagaram Mandal. Validated screening questionnaires, including the FAIREST and BEARS tools, were used to assess the presence and severity of OSA. BEARS questionnaire contained five preformed questions, and the FAIREST questionnaire had six red flags that were evaluated. The cases were classified as mild, moderate, and severe. Using the Chi-square test, inferential statistics were obtained. RESULTS: A prevalence of about 5.7% was observed among the 1289 children. Among those who were diagnosed with sleep apnea, 46 members had mild, 23 members had moderate, and four members had severe OSA. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sleep apnea in the Rajanagaram Mandal is 5.7%, which highlights the need for increased awareness and intervention for this condition. Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors and correlations in greater depth to improve the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
Authors: Amulya Jalumuru, Maganti Sri Ramya, R. Punithavathy, Satyam Martha, K. Haritha, M. Baba Sainadh
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411784342