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Prevalence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children Ages Seven to 10 Years: A Comparative Study Before and After

John M Burnheimer1, Brenda H Loo2, Jamie A Kaufer3

  • 1Associate Professor, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Penn., USA.

Journal of Dentistry for Children (Chicago, Ill.)
|December 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 lockdown significantly increased the risk of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children aged 7-10. This study found a three-fold rise in potential SDB cases post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown periods.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a prevalent condition in children.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns have impacted various aspects of child health.
  • Understanding the effects of lifestyle changes during lockdowns on pediatric health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of positive or potential sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children aged 7-10 years.
  • To compare SDB risk during the pre-COVID-19 lockdown and post-COVID-19 lockdown periods.

Main Methods:

  • Two groups of children (mixed dentition) were recruited from pediatric dental practices.
  • The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) was administered to assess SDB risk.
  • High risk was defined as answering "yes" to 33% or more of the PSQ questions.

Main Results:

  • A total of 366 children (183 males, 183 females) were included in the study.
  • Post-lockdown screening identified 16.2% of children at high risk for SDB, compared to 5.0% pre-lockdown.
  • The increase in SDB risk was statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • The study indicates a substantial, three-fold increase in the prevalence of positive or potential SDB in children following the COVID-19 lockdown.
  • No significant associations were found between sex or BMI and the increased risk of SDB related to the lockdown.

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