Recent medical graduates\u2019 knowledge and attitude toward obstructive sleep apnea in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders and up to 80% of people with OSA remain undiagnosed and yet the present data suggest that medical graduates underreport OSA and is usually not given enough attention by medical colleges. We aimed to study recent graduated medical students’ knowledge and attitude toward OSA.Patients and methodsAn observational cross-sectional survey conducted in Jazan, Abha, Najran, and Albaha cities among the recently graduated medical students using OSA knowledge and attitude questionnaire containing 27 questions including sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitude.ResultsA total of 180 questionnaires were completed; the mean total knowledge score was 8.46±3.260, and the median score was equal to 9. The maximum knowledge score was 15 and the minimum score was 0. There was no significant association between knowledge score and other variables. Of these, 141 participants had positive attitude and they represent 78.3% while 39 of the participants had negative attitude and they represent 21.7%.ConclusionThe level of knowledge regarding diagnosis and management of OSA in the southern region of Saudi Arabia is not optimal. This study suggests that medical colleges should improve the curriculum to focus on clinical application of OSA.