Raising Awareness about Recognizing Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated with Down Syndrome: Developing a Health Education Program
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder in which an extra copy of chromosome-21 disrupts the development of intellectual abilities. Unique physical manifestations places children with DS at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in which repeated blockages of the upper airway cause difficulty breathing during sleep. 80% of children with DS are afflicted with OSA compared to only 2-5% of the general pediatric population. OSA increases incidences of nocturnal sudden cardiac arrest by 2.57-fold compared to the general population. Common signs of OSA include snoring, restlessness during sleep, night waking, and daytime tiredness. Manifestations of OSA, such as cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disease, are common in the DS population; however, this often obscures the diagnosis. During May 2021, focus group discussions were facilitated with caregivers from the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization to assess current understandings about the severity of OSA. A series of interviews were conducted with pediatric healthcare providers to understand OSA education strategies. By synthesizing the qualitative data from this study, an evidence-based health promotion program was developed to improve communication of OSA signs between healthcare providers and caregivers. This public health project has been supported by the Sudden Cardiac-death Awareness Research Foundation and Special Olympics. The purpose of this study is to educate caregivers and health professionals to proactively screen for OSA in children with DS. Effective health communication may mitigate risk factors associated with pediatric OSA through tailored health plans for children living with DS.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Cristina Godoy
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-6-2022 12:00 PM
End Date
4-7-2022 5:00 PM
Raising Awareness about Recognizing Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated with Down Syndrome: Developing a Health Education Program
Alvin Sherman Library
Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder in which an extra copy of chromosome-21 disrupts the development of intellectual abilities. Unique physical manifestations places children with DS at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in which repeated blockages of the upper airway cause difficulty breathing during sleep. 80% of children with DS are afflicted with OSA compared to only 2-5% of the general pediatric population. OSA increases incidences of nocturnal sudden cardiac arrest by 2.57-fold compared to the general population. Common signs of OSA include snoring, restlessness during sleep, night waking, and daytime tiredness. Manifestations of OSA, such as cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disease, are common in the DS population; however, this often obscures the diagnosis. During May 2021, focus group discussions were facilitated with caregivers from the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization to assess current understandings about the severity of OSA. A series of interviews were conducted with pediatric healthcare providers to understand OSA education strategies. By synthesizing the qualitative data from this study, an evidence-based health promotion program was developed to improve communication of OSA signs between healthcare providers and caregivers. This public health project has been supported by the Sudden Cardiac-death Awareness Research Foundation and Special Olympics. The purpose of this study is to educate caregivers and health professionals to proactively screen for OSA in children with DS. Effective health communication may mitigate risk factors associated with pediatric OSA through tailored health plans for children living with DS.
