Sleep Disordered Breathing in Thai Primary School Children
Paskorn Sritipsukho MD*,**, Prapasri Kulalert MD*,**, Araya Satdhabudha MD***, Nakarin Tanakitivirul MD****
Affiliation : * Center of Excellence in Applied Epidemiology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand ** Allergy unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand *** Pulmonary Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand **** Chulabhorn Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) represents a spectrum of breathing disorders, ranging from snoring to
obstructive sleep apnea. A parental questionnaire-based report of SDB has been used to identify SDB among children. There
has been a little report in Thai children.
Objective : The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of SDB among primary school pupils in
Pathumthani province, Thailand.
Material and Method: A cross-section survey was conducted on all pupils in 6 primary schools in Patumthani Province, by
using the modified questionnaire from Tucson Children’s Assessment of Sleep Apnea study (TuCASA). SDB symptoms of
relevant questions were self-reported by their parents to determine habitual snoring and witnessed sleep apnea.
Results : Of 3,240 pupils, there were 2,892 completing questionnaires (response rate of 89.3%). The prevalence of parental-
reported habitual snoring and witnessed sleep apnea were 4.3% and 1.3%, respectively. Habitual snoring was significantly
associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.6), passive smoking (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1
to 4.5), obesity (aOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.6 to 8.5), allergic rhinitis (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.9) and asthma (aOR = 1.7;
95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9). The significant risk of witnessed sleep apnea was allergic rhinitis (aOR = 5.8 (95% CI: 1.8 to 18.9) and
asthma (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2 to 6.4).
Conclusion : Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a little found in Thai primary school children. Allergic rhinitis and asthma
were significant risk factors of habitual snoring and witnessed sleep apnea. Obesity and passive smoking were associated
with habitual snoring. We recommend that children who had risks as respiratory allergic disease, obesity and passive
smoking should be screened for SDB symptoms.
Keywords : Sleep disordered breathing, Primary school children, Habitual snoring, Witnessed sleep apnea, Risk factor
