Behavioral training for increasing preschool children's adherence with positive airway pressure: a preliminary study

Behav Sleep Med. 2007;5(2):147-75. doi: 10.1080/15402000701190671.

Abstract

Behavioral training was implemented to increase adherence with positive airway pressure (PAP) in 4 preschool children. The training employed distraction, counterconditioning, graduated exposure, differential reinforcement, and escape extinction. A non-concurrent multiple baseline experimental design was used to demonstrate program effects. Initially, the children displayed distress and escape-avoidance behavior when PAP was attempted. With training, all 4 children tolerated PAP while sleeping for age appropriate durations. For the 3 children with home follow-up data, the parents maintained benefits. The results are discussed in relation to behavior principles, child health, and common barriers to PAP adherence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / therapy*