Knowledge and attitude about Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Resident doctors in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Majority of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients in Nigeria remain undiagnosed and untreated, speaking to the need for increased awareness among clinicians so that patients can receive optimal management. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes about OSA among Resident doctors in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 148 Resident doctors selected by systematic random sampling from specialties of the Federal Teaching Hospital Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Data was collected using validated self-administered OSA Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 20 at 95% significant level. Results: Of the 148 respondents (response rate, 100%), males were 107 (72.3%). Majority (64.5%) were in medical specialties. Mean of knowledge score was 9.03±3.16 with 59.5% having above average knowledge. Ever having managed a patient with OSA symptoms was significantly associated with good knowledge of OSA (P=0.000) The mean positive attitude score was 3.23 ± 1.16 with 92% and 95% considering OSA and its identification important respectively. Most (63-70%) were confident in their ability to identify and manage OSA patients. Having managed OSA patients before was a determinant of good knowledge (AOR: 4.38, CI:1.92, 9.98). Determinants of confidence in identifying and managing high-risk patients were postgraduate training (AOR 3.17; CI 1.42, 7.14, AOR 3.48; CI 1.56, 7.75 respectively) and ever having managed a patient with OSA (AOR 2.51; CI 1.05, 5.99; AOR 2.56; CI 1.18, 5.55 respectively) Conclusion: There was good knowledge and attitude about OSA among respondents. We recommend multi-specialty OSA trainings during residency.