::INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES::

CODEN : IAJPBB
issn 2349-7750

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TITLE:

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AMONG CHILDREN IN SAUDI ARABIA

AUTHORS:

Kholood Hassan Al-Sunbul , Zainab Bader Al-Khalaf , Nujud Abdullah Binhudayb, Maryam Yousef Alrashed, Hanin Tammam Zakieh, Ghadah Talal Alsehli, Roaa Abdulmohsen Alsanea, ‎‏Lamis Zakaryaa Aljanbi, Najlaa Nizar Abdulhadi

ABSTRACT:

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as a breathing disorder during sleep characterized by sustained partial obstruction of the airway and/or total intermittent obstruction (obstructive apnea) interrupting regular sleep ventilation and regular sleep patterns which result with resultant oxygen desaturation and hypercapnia, leading to increasing respiratory effort and attendant changes in intrathoracic pressures, ultimately culminating in subcortical or cortical arousals. OSA can lead to significant morbidity among affected children. Objective: The study aims to identify prevalence, risk factors and results of obstructive sleep apnea among children in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a community based cross-sectional study conducted in different regions of Saudi Arabia from the period of 1 May to 30 August 2020. Study population included randomly selected infants and children less than 13 years. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS, version 16) and results were analyzed with frequencies and Chi-squared test as appropriate. Results: 5.8% of parents reported occurrence of OSA sometimes in their infants or children. 17.6% of children with OSA have family history in one of their parents of OSA, 23.5% of cases were overweight, 51.8% have been diagnosed with enlarged tonsils or nasal polyps, 22.4% suffer from chronic asthma and 18.8% have neuromuscular disorder. Snoring was a common symptom 56.5% and 31.8% have nocturnal enuresis. Conclusion: In conclusion; 5.8% prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea considered a big problem and must take more attention from decision makers and physicians. Health education sessions and training courses for junior physicians and parents should be conducted to increase health awareness about this growing problem. Key Words: obstructive sleep apnea in children, OSA in Saudi Arabia, epidemiology of OSA