Habitual snoring in primary school children: Prevalence and association with sleep-related disorders and school performance

Sahin U., ÖZTÜRK Ö., ÖZTÜRK M., Songur N., Bircan A., AKKAYA A.

Medical Principles and Practice, vol.18, no.6, pp.458-465, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000235895
  • Journal Name: Medical Principles and Practice
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.458-465
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of habitual snoring
(HS) and its association with both day- and nighttime symptoms,
school performance and behavioral disturbances in a
sample of primary school children. Subjects and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was performed on 1,605 children
(819 boys and 786 girls) aged 7–13 years from 9 randomly
selected primary schools located within the city limits of
Isparta, Turkey. HS and sleep problems were assessed using
a 55-item multiple-choice questionnaire. Results: Of the
1,605 questionnaires, 1,164 were fully completed and returned,
giving a response rate of 72.5%. The overall prevalence
of snoring was 38.9%, while HS accounted for 3.5%.
The prevalence of HS among boys (25, 3.0%) was higher than
among girls (16, 2.0%;  2 for trend: p ! 0.001, OR: 1.92, 95%
CI: 1.01–3.66). There was an association between younger
age and HS, as children aged 7–8 years had the highest prevalence
( 2 for trend: 0.054, OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 0.81–4.22). Habitual
snorers had more daytime and nighttime symptoms.
Allergic symptoms, daytime mouth breathing, shaking the
child for apnea, restless sleep and hyperactivity were significant
and independent risk factors and sleep-related
symptoms for HS. A significant and independent association