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Syncope in children and adolescents of Hong Kong
Author(s) -
Wong KT,
So LY
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1754.2002.00780.x
Subject(s) - syncope (phonology) , medicine , incidence (geometry) , anxiety , pediatrics , el niño , psychiatry , physics , optics
Objectives : Syncope occurs commonly in children and adolescents. The objectives of the present study were to quantify this occurrence locally and to examine the profiles of subjects experiencing syncope. Methodology : A self‐administered questionnaire was filled out by students between 6 and 17 years of age from a selected school in January 1999. Results : Out of 2574 completed questionnaires, a total of 121 subjects reported having had at least one previous episode of syncope, including 9.0% of the 15–17 years age group. The overall incidence of a first syncope in the preceding 12 months was 1.7% and was highest (3.3%) in the 15–17 years age group. No significant difference in incidence was noted between sexes. Among those who experienced syncope, 32.2% had sought medical advice and 9.1% had been admitted to hospital; 57.9% became worried, while 37.2% reported restriction of daily activities because of syncope. Conclusion : Syncope is a common event in children and adolescents in Hong Kong. It can cause a considerable degree of anxiety and activity restriction. The impact on medical services due to syncope in Hong Kong has been substantial.