Prevalence of Snoring and It's Effects on Academic Performance of Children in Primary School

Abstract

Prevalence of Snoring and It's Effects on Academic Performance of Children in Primary School

Chitralada  Butrangamdee, MD

Health Center 66, Health Department BMA

Objectives: To study the effects of snoring on the academic performance and to measure the prevalence of snoring and habitual snoring of children in primary school

Study design: A cross-sectional study.

Subjects: Children in primary school grade 2-4 in Dusit District, Bangkok.

Methods: Three schools in Dusit District, Bangkok were randomly selected. A total of 1,174 children in primary school grade 2-4 were enrolled in July, 2004. The questionnaires  were sent to their parents via the children.

Main outcome measures: Academic performance and the prevalence of snoring.

Results: The response rate was 71%. There was no significantly different of academic performance in average total score between snorers and non-snorers in the studied group and same result in the subjects lf mathematics. Thai, English, and science. The prevalence of primary snoring was 39%, habitual snoring was 13%, simple snoring was 24.5%. The snorers who were diagnosed by the physician with the clinically snoring (11.4%) had hypertrophic tonsils and/or adenoids which were the most common causes (54.2%). Snoring was significantly associated with male gender, body mass index >23kg/m², respiratory and allergic disease, individual drug use, parent's history of snoring, smoking in household, daytime sleepiness and frequent headache.

Conclusions: Snoring was commonly seen in the children but had no effect on academic performance in this study. However, there were many effects from snoring, parents should be aware in these points and look for further evaluation and intervention if suspected.

Key words: snoring, snorers, academic performance, primary school, smoking, hypertrophic tonsils and/or adenoids

Vajira Med J 2005 ; 49 : 123 - 132