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Linguistic validation of a questionnaire for the screening of OSAS in a paediatric population with Down Syndrome
L Agostini1, A Gracco2, L Mezzofranco3
1Undergraduate student, Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, University of Padua, Italy.
Insights
This study validated an Italian questionnaire to screen for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in children with Down syndrome (DS). The validated tool aids in identifying this common comorbidity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) affects 1.2%–5.8% of children, characterized by throat collapse during sleep.
- Down syndrome (DS), occurring in 1/800 births, presents craniofacial features increasing OSAS risk.
- Routine OSAS screening in children with DS is not yet standard practice globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the Italian linguistic validation of a questionnaire for diagnosing OSAS in pediatric patients with Down syndrome.
- To assess the clarity, accuracy, and ease of use of the translated questionnaire for parents.
- To establish a reliable screening tool for OSAS comorbidity in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- A specific OSAS diagnostic questionnaire for children with DS was selected based on literature review.
- The chosen questionnaire underwent translation into Italian.
- 111 parents of children with Down syndrome completed the Italian questionnaire online, including a comprehension assessment.
Main Results:
- The Italian translation of the OSAS screening questionnaire for children with DS demonstrated good quality.
- Positive feedback on clarity, accuracy, and ease of completion was received from parents.
- The questionnaire is confirmed as a useful tool for screening OSAS in children with Down syndrome.
Conclusions:
- The Italian linguistic validation was successful, confirming the questionnaire's suitability.
- The tool is effective for identifying the comorbidity of OSAS and DS in children.
- This validated questionnaire can improve early detection and management of OSAS in the DS population.
Aim:
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common clinical condition in which the throat narrows or collapses repeatedly during sleep, causing obstructive sleep apnoea events. This disorder is present in the paediatric population with a prevalence estimated between 1.2% and 5.8%. Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal alteration associated with mental disability and characterised by other clinical manifestations, and its incidence is estimated at 1/800 births worldwide. Most of the craniofacial features typical of DS represent a risk factor for the development of OSAS. Routine screening has been recommended in some countries but it is still not a standard practice. The aim of this study is the Italian linguistic validation of a questionnaire for the diagnosis of OSAS in children with Down Syndrome.
Methods:
After careful review of the existing scientific literature, a specific questionnaire was selected for the diagnosis of OSAS in children with DS. The questionnaire was then translated into Italian and administered to 111 parents of children with Down syndrome, for online completion. The last part of the questionnaire was dedicated to the comprehension of the questionnaire itself, with a specific focus on its clarity, accuracy and difficulty in completing it.
Conclusion:
The positive feedback registered in the comprehension part of the questionnaire, certified the good quality of the Italian translation and confirmed the questionnaire as a useful screening method to identify the comorbidity of OSAS and DS.
