OBSTRUCTUIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME: SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN CHILDREN

Objective: To determine the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome(OSAS) and the associated factors in children living in Turkey. Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted with 114 children (aged 1-18). Introductory Questionnaire Form, Modified Mallampati Score and modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used in the data collection process. Results: The symptoms of OSAS were respectively determined as follows; having a sleepless mood in 36.8%, snoring in 26.3%, frequent awakings from sleep in 22.8%, having a difficulty in keeping awake in the daytime in 21.1%, morning headaches in 13.2%, frequent urinatings at night in 11.4% and apnea in 3.5%. According to the modified Mallampati Score, 14.9% of children comprise the group with a risk of OSAS. It was determined that 2.63% of children had the problem of excessive daytime sleepiness(EDS) and the score of modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale was significantly higher in boys and smokers. Conclusion: It was determined that approximately 15% of children had the risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and the most frequent symptoms were respectively as follows; having a sleepless mood, snoring, frequent awakings from sleep, having a difficulty in keeping awake in the daytime, morning headaches, frequent urinatings at night and apnea. It was also determined that EDS was observed in 2.63% of children and it was higher in boys and smokers