Oropharyngeal exercises were non-invasive and cost-effective treatment which acts by increasing the tone of pharyngeal muscles and may bring long-term benefits to the children. Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of applying oropharyngeal exercise on sleep problems and quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea post- adenotonsillectomy. Research design: Quasi-experimental research design was utilized. The study was conducted at the outpatient and inpatient Ear, Nose, and Throat department (ENT) in Benha Health Insurance Hospital. A Purposive sample of 50 children accompanying their mothers was included in this study. Three tools were used for data collection 1) Children assessment questionnaire, 2) Child’s sleep habits questionnaire and 3) OSA-18 quality of life questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the children was 9.62 ± 1.84years and 50% of them were male. More than half and more than three quarters (55% &76% respectively) of children reported higher sleep problems and poor quality of life pre-intervention phase. Meanwhile, post-intervention phases, more than two thirds and more than half (70%&54% respectively) of children reported low sleep problems, more than two thirds and two thirds (72%& 66% respectively) of them had good quality of life after 45days and 90days. Conclusion: Applying of oropharyngeal exercises daily for 3 months period had a significantly positive effect on decreasing sleep problems and improving quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea post-adenotonsillectomy. Recommendations: Conducting more continuing oropharyngeal exercises intervention program for mothers having children suffering from OSA to decrease the negative outcomes and improve quality of life with the necessity of follow-up. |
