Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of parents towards homeopathy. Parents with children below 5 years, who attended a registered Crèche or Educare within the central Durban area (Appendix H – ‘Register’ and Appendix I ‘Map’) were approached. Objective The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and parent’s experience with paediatric health care provision towards homeopathy. The awareness of parents with regard to the benefits of homeopathic treatment for children as a possible alternative was also determined. Methodology A survey method in the form of a questionnaire was employed to investigate the perceptions of parents towards homeopathy in the treatment of their children. The target population for this survey was parents, whose children were below 5 years of age and attended a registered Crèche or Educare in the central Durban, Berea, Musgrave and Morningside areas (Appendix I – ‘Map’). The data accumulated was evaluated and analyzed statistically using the SPSS version 17.1. Results A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 140 (46.6%) questionnaires were returned. With regards to legitimacy of homeopathy most parents (72.1%) perceived homeopathy to be a legitimate form of medicine. 70.92% of all respondents were aware that homeopathy has a scientific basis. It was encouraging to note that 10.64% of the sample consults with a homeopath when their child is ill or indisposed. The majority of respondents (77.14%) indicated that homeopathic treatment should be available in hospitals and clinics. Only 3.57% felt that it should not be incorporated in hospitals and clinics. This indicates that most respondents perceive that integrated medicine is needed in a hospital setting. The majority of respondents (90.71%) felt that there should be more awareness of homeopathy. Despite the lack of knowledge, a large number of respondents indicated that homeopathy should be available for most medical conditions. Conclusion This study reveals that most respondents had a positive view of homeopathy in general and were enthusiastic to learn more about homeopathy. Although people are aware that homeopathy exists, a lack of knowledge and understanding of its methods and principles prevents them from seeking homeopathic treatment. A need to provide basic homeopathic education to the public exists. Education initiatives should aim to differentiate homeopathy from other alternative therapies, to dispel the confusion and to eliminate misconceptions about homeopathy. This study indicates that by educating the public on paediatric homeopathy, more individuals would be likely to seek homeopathic treatment for their children.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction More and more people are becoming concerned about the effects of drugs, particularly in relation to children. There is an alternative in homoeopathy (Speight, 1983). Families need more options. Homoeopathy is a wonderful option because homoeopathic remedies are safe, cause no side effects or allergic reactions, and are inexpensive. They are easy to use because they taste good and above all, they are curative, not suppressive (Ullman, 1992). It was therefore necessary to determine the perception or perceptions towards homoeopathy as a treatment method and in terms of a primary health care option. The study population selected for this research is required to attend pre primary school in the Pinetown district. This district was chosen for the diversity in race, religion, and socio-economic factors, as well as the mixture of both rural and urban areas in this district. Purpose/Aim The purpose of this survey was to assess the perception, extent of knowledge and general understanding of as well as misconceptions about homoeopathy, including attitudes towards homoeopathy as a primary health care option in order to determine possible needs for homoeopathic services. The aim of this study is to develop and improve the knowledge and general understanding of homoeopathy and the perception towards the profession of homoeopathy amongst the general public by means of an information pamphlet (Appendix E). Methodology The research instrument used was a quantitative questionnaire (Appendix A), aimed at parents of children aged 3 to 7 years old in pre primary schools in the Pinetown district , as laid out by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education – map version 2 October 2007 (Appendix H and I) EduAction (2007). It was introduced to the principals of randomly selected (stratified random sampling method was used) pre primary schools (Appendix J) of the Pinetown district, and arrangements were made with those principals for distribution and collection of the completed questionnaires. The questionnaire was adapted from Moys, (1998) Small, (2005) Paruk, (2006) and Khoosal, (2007). Anonymity was maintained as no names, addresses or other information was required, thereby preventing identification of the respondents. The data accumulated was evaluated and analyzed statistically using the SPSS® version 15.0 for Windows™ and Excel® XP™. According to statistician Tonya Esterhuizen, a p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Comparisons between demographics and areas were achieved using Pearson‟s chi-square tests. Descriptive analysis involved frequency tables showing counts and percentages of categorical variables. Bar or pie charts were used to show responses graphically. The profession can then use this information to decide what steps can be taken to rectify the misconceptions, improve general knowledge and attitudes towards homoeopathy; through education, media, community talks and the like. This information can also be used to plan for the necessary services required for the children (Khoosal, 2007). Results Of the 1400 questionnaires distributed, 508 questionnaires 36.3% from 13 different schools (Appendix J) were completed and considered evaluative. Not every question was answered on every questionnaire giving rise to some results that do not tally. Respondents answered questions on the extent of knowledge and general understanding (as well as misconceptions) regarding homoeopathy and it was found that more than half 56.1% had heard of homoeopathy. Of the sample, 22.7% had previously taken their child to a homoeopath for treatment, and the level of satisfaction with homeopathic treatment was 48.6%. According to the respondents 40.9% of children were in good health, while 33.9% was in excellent health and 24% in reasonable health. As anticipated a number of the respondents were unsure of the various roles of a homoeopath or did not know enough to comment. While 46% thought homoeopaths emphasize a healthy lifestyle, 45% thought that homoeopaths boost the immune system and 39% thought they prescribe plant extracts. Over half (51.2%) thought that homoeopathy had a valid scientific basis. And 32.4% agreed that homoeopathy takes longer to work than orthodox medicine although most (42.4%) were unsure about this question. On analyzing the attitudes towards homoeopathy as a primary health care option only 12.8% of respondents would contact a homoeopath if their child were ill. Most would contact a General Practitioner (GP) (61.3%). The majority (65.6%) thought homoeopathic treatment should be available in hospitals and clinics. While 40% saw homoeopathy as preventative medicine, 37.6% saw it as supportive and 35.7% as first choice treatment. On analyzing the conditions for which respondents would seek homoeopathic treatment, allergies ranked highest (43.5%) for which they would seek treatment, while hay fever was second (38.1%), followed by eczema (37.6%). The condition that was least agreed on was toothache (11.3%). A small percentage (3%), of respondents had a religious objection to seeking treatment from a homoeopath. Conclusion It can be concluded from the study that more than half of the public surveyed (56.1%) were aware of homoeopathy but levels of understanding and knowledge were lower than expected even where there had been partial experience with a practitioner. More detailed education on this modality of medicine is required in order to improve exposure to homoeopathy and to allow more informed decisions. It can also be concluded that a majority of respondents (65.6%) are in favour of homoeopathy having a place in primary health care. This study actually found that 65.6% of respondents felt that homoeopathy should be available in hospitals and clinic – this may not mean as a primary health service, but perhaps as an available alternative.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

No description available.

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection endemic to the southwestern United States. Hematogenous dissemination of the etiologic agent produces a chronic basilar meningitis in a small percentage of children. While new and aggressive therapy has decreased mortality, children with coccidioidal meningitis (CM) continue to suffer significant morbidity. A comprehensive investigation of intellectual, achievement, and behavioral outcomes in a series of 9 children who were diagnosed and treated for CM at the Arizona Health Sciences Center between 1977 and 1988 was conducted. Nearest-age siblings were also evaluated. Findings revealed compromised cognitive abilities and an increased incidence of academic and behavioral difficulties in the patient group as compared to normative expectations and the performance of siblings. Results support the need for timely educational interventions to assist such patients in maximizing their potential in the academic environment.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of parents towards homeopathy. Parents with children below 5 years, who attended a registered Crèche or Educare within the central Durban area (Appendix H – ‘Register’ and Appendix I ‘Map’) were approached. Objective The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and parent’s experience with paediatric health care provision towards homeopathy. The awareness of parents with regard to the benefits of homeopathic treatment for children as a possible alternative was also determined. Methodology A survey method in the form of a questionnaire was employed to investigate the perceptions of parents towards homeopathy in the treatment of their children. The target population for this survey was parents, whose children were below 5 years of age and attended a registered Crèche or Educare in the central Durban, Berea, Musgrave and Morningside areas (Appendix I – ‘Map’). The data accumulated was evaluated and analyzed statistically using the SPSS version 17.1. Results A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed and a total of 140 (46.6%) questionnaires were returned. With regards to legitimacy of homeopathy most parents (72.1%) perceived homeopathy to be a legitimate form of medicine. 70.92% of all respondents were aware that homeopathy has a scientific basis. It was encouraging to note that 10.64% of the sample consults with a homeopath when their child is ill or indisposed. The majority of respondents (77.14%) indicated that homeopathic treatment should be available in hospitals and clinics. Only 3.57% felt that it should not be incorporated in hospitals and clinics. This indicates that most respondents perceive that integrated medicine is needed in a hospital setting. The majority of respondents (90.71%) felt that there should be more awareness of homeopathy. Despite the lack of knowledge, a large number of respondents indicated that homeopathy should be available for most medical conditions. Conclusion This study reveals that most respondents had a positive view of homeopathy in general and were enthusiastic to learn more about homeopathy. Although people are aware that homeopathy exists, a lack of knowledge and understanding of its methods and principles prevents them from seeking homeopathic treatment. A need to provide basic homeopathic education to the public exists. Education initiatives should aim to differentiate homeopathy from other alternative therapies, to dispel the confusion and to eliminate misconceptions about homeopathy. This study indicates that by educating the public on paediatric homeopathy, more individuals would be likely to seek homeopathic treatment for their children. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction More and more people are becoming concerned about the effects of drugs, particularly in relation to children. There is an alternative in homoeopathy (Speight, 1983). Families need more options. Homoeopathy is a wonderful option because homoeopathic remedies are safe, cause no side effects or allergic reactions, and are inexpensive. They are easy to use because they taste good and above all, they are curative, not suppressive (Ullman, 1992). It was therefore necessary to determine the perception or perceptions towards homoeopathy as a treatment method and in terms of a primary health care option. The study population selected for this research is required to attend pre primary school in the Pinetown district. This district was chosen for the diversity in race, religion, and socio-economic factors, as well as the mixture of both rural and urban areas in this district. Purpose/Aim The purpose of this survey was to assess the perception, extent of knowledge and general understanding of as well as misconceptions about homoeopathy, including attitudes towards homoeopathy as a primary health care option in order to determine possible needs for homoeopathic services. The aim of this study is to develop and improve the knowledge and general understanding of homoeopathy and the perception towards the profession of homoeopathy amongst the general public by means of an information pamphlet (Appendix E). Methodology The research instrument used was a quantitative questionnaire (Appendix A), aimed at parents of children aged 3 to 7 years old in pre primary schools in the Pinetown district , as laid out by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education – map version 2 October 2007 (Appendix H and I) EduAction (2007). It was introduced to the principals of randomly selected (stratified random sampling method was used) pre primary schools (Appendix J) of the Pinetown district, and arrangements were made with those principals for distribution and collection of the completed questionnaires. The questionnaire was adapted from Moys, (1998) Small, (2005) Paruk, (2006) and Khoosal, (2007). Anonymity was maintained as no names, addresses or other information was required, thereby preventing identification of the respondents. The data accumulated was evaluated and analyzed statistically using the SPSS® version 15.0 for Windows™ and Excel® XP™. According to statistician Tonya Esterhuizen, a p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Comparisons between demographics and areas were achieved using Pearson‟s chi-square tests. Descriptive analysis involved frequency tables showing counts and percentages of categorical variables. Bar or pie charts were used to show responses graphically. The profession can then use this information to decide what steps can be taken to rectify the misconceptions, improve general knowledge and attitudes towards homoeopathy; through education, media, community talks and the like. This information can also be used to plan for the necessary services required for the children (Khoosal, 2007). Results Of the 1400 questionnaires distributed, 508 questionnaires 36.3% from 13 different schools (Appendix J) were completed and considered evaluative. Not every question was answered on every questionnaire giving rise to some results that do not tally. Respondents answered questions on the extent of knowledge and general understanding (as well as misconceptions) regarding homoeopathy and it was found that more than half 56.1% had heard of homoeopathy. Of the sample, 22.7% had previously taken their child to a homoeopath for treatment, and the level of satisfaction with homeopathic treatment was 48.6%. According to the respondents 40.9% of children were in good health, while 33.9% was in excellent health and 24% in reasonable health. As anticipated a number of the respondents were unsure of the various roles of a homoeopath or did not know enough to comment. While 46% thought homoeopaths emphasize a healthy lifestyle, 45% thought that homoeopaths boost the immune system and 39% thought they prescribe plant extracts. Over half (51.2%) thought that homoeopathy had a valid scientific basis. And 32.4% agreed that homoeopathy takes longer to work than orthodox medicine although most (42.4%) were unsure about this question. On analyzing the attitudes towards homoeopathy as a primary health care option only 12.8% of respondents would contact a homoeopath if their child were ill. Most would contact a General Practitioner (GP) (61.3%). The majority (65.6%) thought homoeopathic treatment should be available in hospitals and clinics. While 40% saw homoeopathy as preventative medicine, 37.6% saw it as supportive and 35.7% as first choice treatment. On analyzing the conditions for which respondents would seek homoeopathic treatment, allergies ranked highest (43.5%) for which they would seek treatment, while hay fever was second (38.1%), followed by eczema (37.6%). The condition that was least agreed on was toothache (11.3%). A small percentage (3%), of respondents had a religious objection to seeking treatment from a homoeopath. Conclusion It can be concluded from the study that more than half of the public surveyed (56.1%) were aware of homoeopathy but levels of understanding and knowledge were lower than expected even where there had been partial experience with a practitioner. More detailed education on this modality of medicine is required in order to improve exposure to homoeopathy and to allow more informed decisions. It can also be concluded that a majority of respondents (65.6%) are in favour of homoeopathy having a place in primary health care. This study actually found that 65.6% of respondents felt that homoeopathy should be available in hospitals and clinic – this may not mean as a primary health service, but perhaps as an available alternative. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Background: Paediatric visits to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners results from a wide range of childhood disorders. As there are significant anatomical differences between children and adults, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of chiropractic care for adults is not applicable to paediatrics, leaving a paucity of information supporting the management of paediatric conditions by chiropractors. Most studies regarding paediatrics have been performed in first world countries, leaving a paucity of information about third world countries, where the health care milieu differs. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the practice characteristics regarding paediatric care in chiropractic practices in KwaZulu-Natal. Objectives: This prospective, quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study based on a focus group refined and piloted questionnaire, determined the practice characteristics with regards to paediatric practice amongst chiropractors in KwaZulu-Natal. The total sample population was n=118, with each practitioner receiving a Letter of Information and Informed Consent Form and a Questionnaire. Data was analysed using the data analysis tools of Microsoft Office Excel and a p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A response rate of 36% was obtained. Most of the respondents were middle-aged, female chiropractors who had been practicing for less than a decade. Very few of the chiropractors held paediatric qualifications (18.6%). In terms of paediatric care, most of the respondents used a variety of conservative approaches as evidenced by the type and number of assessments, treatment and management procedures used in practice. Conclusions: The results showed that few chiropractors in KwaZulu-Natal see paediatric patients in their practices; however the chiropractors that managed paediatric conditions were predominantly conservative. This is positive for the chiropractic profession, as it shows diligent and responsible decision making within a vulnerable population group. Future research must assist with facilitating inter-professional relations with other health care professionals and public relations need to be aimed at creating more awareness generally regarding chiropractic paediatric care. / M

In many infections some patients recover while others die or are permanently disabled. These extremes in clinical outcome may be determined as much by the capacity of the host to eliminate the infecting agent as by the antigenic load on the individual. Children with measles who do not recover may succumb to acute complications (mainly respiratory) or chronic disease (respiratory and neurological) may develop. Analysis of immunological function antedating any of these final events would assist in understanding their pathogenesis and possibly aid in management. In order to achieve t h i s , immunological responsiveness was at f i r st studied in 24 children with acute measles and compared with that in 20 children with established chronic post measles chest disease investigated 6 - 1 6 weeks after appearance of the rash. The immunosuppressive effects of acute measles were extensive. Total white cells were reduced and this reduction was accounted for entirely by lymphopenia which was equally expressed among the major lymphocyte sub-populations studied; the function of T cells, assessed by radioisotope incorporation into phytohaemaggiutinin-transformed lymphocytes and by delayed skin hypersensitivity to dinitrochlorobenzene, was depressed. Serum IgA was reduced in acute measles patients. In contrast there was a relative sparing of the measured indices of immunity in patients with chronic post measles chest disease, with the major defect being an impaired delayed hypersensitivity reaction to dinitrochlorobenzene. There were minor alterations in complement components in both groups of patients with the evidence suggesting minimal utilisation of the alternative pathway in acute measles and classical pathway in chronic patients. High levels of heterophile antibodies to sheep red blood cells were detected in patients with chronic chest disease. (11) The results suggested that the conditions for chronicity of pulmonary disease in measles were unlikely to be determined by persistent abnormalities in the immunopathological factors enumerated, most of which were normal in chronic patients. It was not possible to interpret the findings of defective delayed hypersensitivity and complement components in patients with chronic chest disease as being either the cause or the effect of chronicity. The latter findings would have to be compared with results in children who had recovered from measles studied six weeks after onset of rash. An attempt was made to resolve this problem. Twenty-two children with measles were studied in the acute stage of the rash and six weeks later and results compared with matched controls. The above findings in acute measles were confirmed: the total lymphocyte count and major lymphocyte sub-populations were significantly below control values. At six weeks the B cell and Null cell counts were s t i ll significantly diminished. The function of T cells assessed by radioisotope uptake by phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes and by delayed skin hypersensitivity reaction to dinitrochlorobenzene was impaired during the acute stage and this persisted for six weeks. No important abnormalities were detected in serum immunoglobulins and complement components. Partial reversal of immunological suppression caused by measles was therefore demonstrated at 6 weeks after the appearance of rash. Demonstration of a persistently defective delayed hypersensitivity in those who recovered made i t unlikely that this anergy was important in the development of chronicity. Complement abnormalities were similarly unrelated to progression to chronic lung damage. ( Children who recovered, when studied at six weeks, appeared to be worse o f f immunologically than those with established chronic chest disease following measles. Children with chronic chest disease were studied 6 - 1 6 weeks after onset of rash, by which time the partial reversal of immune deficiency, noted at 6 weeks, would be complete. Among the group of children studied during the acute rash of measles there were five who subsequently died and one who progressed to chronic chest disease. Results in these six children were compared with those in six age-matched children who recovered from measles within a week. In the children who subsequently died or developed chronic pneumonia, immunosuppression was more pronounced during the acute rash ( i . e ., 3 - 2 0 days before death) than in the children who recovered. The absolute total lymphocyte count (T and B cells) was s i g n i f i c a n t ly lower in those who died or developed chronicity. Mean serum C, was also lower in this group. There were no significant differences between the two groups for total white c e l l s , neutrophils, Null c e l l s, cells with both T and B cell markers, other complement factors, serum immunoglobulins and phytohaemagglutinin stimulation of lymphocytes. The total lymphocyte count in a further nineteen patients with measles who had died, studied retrospectively, was s i g n i f i c a n t l y lower than that in twenty-seven patients with measles who recovered. Children whose outcome was poor generally had absolute lymphocyte 3 counts below 2000 cells/mm whereas those who recovered had values above this level. (iv) Therefore children who w i l l die or develop chronic chest disease can be often distinguished, within two days of the appearance of the rash, from those who w i l l recover. In order to test the v a l i d i t y of this conclusion based on results obtained from a small sample the study was extended so as to increase the number of patients with measles who had severe lymphopenia (< 2000 cells/mm3). Seventy seven per cent of 30 children who had severe lymphopenia within 2 days of appearance of rash f a i l e d to recover: 30% died from pulmonary complications within a few days to two months of the onset of the exanthem while 47% developed chronic lung damage. This was s i g n i f i c a n t ly worse than the outcome in 30 children with lymphocyte counts above 2000 3 cells/mm , of whom 67% recovered, 33% developed chronic chest disease and none died. Persistence of severe lymphopenia (which was due to reduction 3 in both T and B cells) in those with i n i t i a l counts below 2000 cells/mm , for at least fifteen days after onset of rash, remained a good predictive index of morbidity and mortality. Reversal of immunoparesis in those with i n i t i a l severe lymphopenia was slower and less complete 42 days from the appearance of the rash in children who subsequently died or progressed to chronicity than in those who recovered. All patients who died f a i l ed to produce an adequate or sustained antibody response to measles. The results of these studies suggest that long term pulmonary and possibly neurological sequelae of measles are probably due to a transient widespread immunoparesis during early measles with persistent defects in specific immunity to measles and probably other viruses, whereas recovery is due to less severe effects of shorter duration. (v) In order to answer the question why some children do badly and others well after measles, studies on the HLA frequencies and measles antigen load have been undertaken in children with severe lymphopenia. Results of viral load are inconclusive and those of HLA suggest a trend towards histocompatibility linked genetic susceptibility to the development of severe lymphopenia in measles associated with HLA AW32. The therapeutic implication of these studies is that children with measles who are at risk for death and chronic disease can be identified early in the disease and intervention at this stage may reverse the severe immunosuppression which leads to rapid demise or modify the immunopathological changes progressing relentlessly in some cases to permanent lung and brain damage and occasionally to death. / Thesis (MD)-University of Natal, Durban, 1977.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-12-19Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:46:53Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_evcm_me_botfm.pdf: 665384 bytes, checksum: 48fe01d8822ede24e3c18a2e335011df (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Os distúrbios respiratórios obstrutivos do sono (DROS) em adultos têm sido associados ao aumento do risco cardiovascular por induzir alterações no metabolismo de carboidratos, lipídios e nos mediadores inflamatórios. Os dados de literatura atual são escassos e conflitantes acerca das alterações do perfil metabólico encontradas em crianças com distúrbios respiratórios obstrutivos do sono. Avaliar o perfil glicêmico, a resistência insulínica e o perfil lipídico em crianças com distúrbios respiratórios obstrutivos do sono e as repercussões na qualidade de vida. Foram incluídas 89 crianças, realizando-se o registro de peso, altura e IMC. Essas crianças foram agrupadas de acordo com o IMC e presença ou não de sintomas respiratórios. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do questionário OSA-18. Foi realizada a dosagem sérica em jejum de marcadores do perfil metabólico. Na primeira análise (Obesos com DROS X Obesos sem DROS X Controle), os valores de insulina, relação glicemia/insulina e Homa demonstraram a resistência insulínica encontrada na população obesa, sem no entanto mostrar a influência dos DROS. A segunda análise, que incluiu crianças com DROS (obesas e não obesas) e crianças sem DROS (obesas e não obesas), também não demontrou haver influência dos DROS no perfil metabólico. O grupo obeso sem DROS apresentou valores mais elevados de TGL que o grupo controle. Em ambas as análises, os DROS demonstraram comprometer a qualidade de vida das crianças por meio da análise pelo OSA 18 nos domínios: “perturbações do sono, sofrimento físico e preocupação dos responsáveis”. Os DROS comprometem a qualidade de vida em crianças, sem no entanto causar alterações no perfil metabólico. A obesidade foi demonstrada como determinante no desenvolvimento da resistência insulínica na população estudada / Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) has been associated with increased risk for metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction and cardiovascular morbidities among adults. Studies involving children are controversial. To examine the relationship between metabolic markers (glucose, insuline resistance and lipids) and SDB in children and the impact on quality of life. Eighty nine children, aged 3-12 years, were in the final analysis. Height and weight of each child were determined by standard techniques and BMI was calculated. Children were analysed considering the presence of respiratory symptoms and obesity. Quality of life was assessed by the OSA 18 questionnaire. Metabolic markers (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL and TGL) were measured on a fasting morning blood sample. In the first analysis (Obese with SDB X Obese without SDB X Control), the levels of insulin, glucose/insulin ratio and Homa indicated insulin resistance in the obese groups, without evidence of influence of the SDB. The second analysis, which included children with SDB (obese and nonobese) and children without SDB (obese and nonobese), also did not reveal any influence of the SDB on the metabolic markers. Triglycerides were higher in the obese children without SDB compared to the control group. The OSA 18 revealed the negative impact on quality of life in the domains: sleep disturbance, physical suffering and caregivers concerns. SDB causes impairment on quality of life in children, but with no impact on the metabolic markers. Obesity was determinant on metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance in this study