OSAS in developing age: Screening of a Southern Italy population.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Sleep Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition in children.
• Early identification and screening are crucial for managing pediatric OSAS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of risk for OSAS in school-aged children in Catanzaro, Italy.
• To identify common associated symptoms and risk factors in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1642 school children aged 6-12 years in Catanzaro, Italy.
• Utilized the validated Italian version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaires (PSQs) for risk assessment.

Main Results:

• 10.47% of children were identified as being at risk for OSAS.
• No significant association found between OSAS risk and sex or age.
• Common symptoms included snoring, abnormal breathing patterns, difficulty waking, and daytime behavioral issues.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of children in the region are at risk for OSAS.
• Highlights the importance of first-level screening for pediatric OSAS.
• Emphasizes the need for increased clinical attention to OSAS diagnosis in children.