Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Obese Children in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent among children, impacting their well-being. Obesity and related morbidity may lead to serious health disorders. In obese children, OSA may be a risk factor for systemic diseases that negatively affect their quality of life. This study explored the correlation between obesity and OSA among children aged five to 14 years in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study employed an online questionnaire for the parents of 517 children, assessing sociodemographic variables, medical history, and OSA symptoms. The data analysis used Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The children were predominantly male (281, 54.4%) and from Tabuk (405, 78.3%), with 158 (30.6%) classified as obese. Symptoms such as snoring (191, 36.9%), daytime fatigue (195, 37.7%), and impact on daily activities (79, 15.3%) were prevalent. OSA scores significantly correlated with BMI categories (p < 0.001), family history of OSA (p < 0.001), and medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol (p < 0.05). Correlations showed weak positive associations of age (ρ = 0.159) and height (ρ = 0.229) with OSA score, whereas a strong correlation existed between weight (ρ = 0.531) and OSA score (p < 0.001). Conclusion Obesity demonstrated a strong association with OSA severity among children in Tabuk. Higher BMI categories, a family history of OSA, and certain medical conditions correlated significantly with increased OSA scores. Although age and height displayed weaker associations, weight emerged as a major contributing factor to OSA severity. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing obesity in managing pediatric OSA, advocating for early interventions to mitigate its impact on children's health and well-being.