Adolescents with Sleep Apnea and Their Attention and School Performance
Author Information
Author(s): Beebe Dean W., Byars Kelly C.
Primary Institution: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Hypothesis
Adolescent PAP users would show a more positive change in academic performance and attention as compared to those nonadherent to PAP, and to untreated controls.
Conclusion
Although many adolescents prescribed PAP for OSA are non-adherent to the treatment, those who adhere to treatment can display improved attention and academic functioning.
Supporting Evidence
- PAP Users showed stable or improved functioning, while Non-Adherent participants showed worsening functioning.
- 83% of PAP Users had improved attention over time.
- Non-Adherent participants' attention worsened.
Takeaway
Some teenagers with sleep apnea don't use their treatment, but those who do can do better in school and pay more attention.
Methodology
The study assessed self-reported academic grades, quality of life, and attention in adolescents with OSA before and after starting PAP treatment.
Potential Biases
Assignment to groups was not random, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The sample size was small, and there was significant loss of subjects to follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Participants were obese adolescents aged 10-16, with a mix of boys and girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.028
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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