Sleep-disordered breathing reflects a continuum of overnight breathing difficulties, ranging from mild snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Sleep-disordered breathing in childhood is associated with significant adverse outcomes in multiple domains of functioning. This review summarizes the evidence of well-described ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic disparities in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, from its prevalence to its treatment-related outcomes. Research on potential socio-ecological contributors to these disparities is also reviewed. Critical future research directions include the development of interventions that address the modifiable social and environmental determinants of these health disparities.
Keywords: Environment; Health disparities; Race; Sleep-disordered breathing.
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