Natural history of snoring and other sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms in 7-year-old New Zealand children: a follow-up from age 3

Abstract

Purpose We aimed to examine the natural history of snoring and associated symptoms in a community sample of New Zealand children at ages 3 and 7 years, and identify factors associated with habitual snoring at age 7 years. Methods Parent/s of children (n=839) who completed the community survey about their child’s sleep and breathing at age 3 years were re-contacted via mail 4 years later when children were aged 7 years. Parents were asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire which included items relating to their child’s sleep and health, and family demographic information. There was a 54.8 % (n=460) response rate. Results At follow-up, habitual snoring was prevalent in 9.2 % of the sample, ..