Differences in attention abilities, growth, development, and quality of life between Chinese children with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy controls

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare growth, development, quality of life, and attention abilities between Chinese children with and without obstructive sleep apnea.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the 980th Hospital, Joint Logistics Support Force. Validated scales, including the Pupil Rating Scale, Inventory of Subjective Life Quality, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Parent Symptom Questionnaire, and Continuous Performance Task, were used to assess children with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy controls.ResultsChildren with obstructive sleep apnea (n = 67) showed significantly poorer outcomes than controls (n = 60). They exhibited lower Pupil Rating Scale and Inventory of Subjective Life Quality scores (p < 0.001), higher anxiety levels (p < 0.001), abnormal learning (p = 0.028), increased impulsivity and hyperactivity (p = 0.003), and an abnormal hyperactivity index (p = 0.004). Sustained visual (p = 0.010) and auditory attention (p < 0.001) were also impaired.DiscussionThis study highlighted the significant negative impact of obstructive sleep apnea on children's growth, development, and cognitive functions. Further research is warranted to examine the broader implications of obstructive sleep apnea on children's well-being across diverse populations.ConclusionsChildren with obstructive sleep apnea demonstrate significant impairments in growth, quality of life, and cognitive functions compared with controls.