Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of inpatients with cardiovascular disease regarding obstructive sleep apnea

There is a significant interrelationship between cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as they share common risk factors and comorbidities. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of inpatients with cardiovascular disease towards OSA. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January, 2022 and January, 2023 at Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University among inpatients with cardiovascular disease using a self-administered questionnaire. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess KAP, and the STOP-Bang questionnaire was applied to evaluate participants’ OSA risk. Spearman correlation and path analyses were conducted to explore relationships among KAP scores and high OSA risk. Subgroup analyses were conducted within the high-risk population identified by the STOP-Bang questionnaire. In a study analyzing 591 questionnaires, 66.33% were males. Mean scores were 6.81 ± 4.903 for knowledge, 26.84 ± 4.273 for attitude, and 14.46 ± 2.445 for practice. Path analysis revealed high risk of OSA positively impacting knowledge (β = 2.351, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.598, P < 0.001) towards OSA. Knowledge directly affected attitude (β = 0.544) and practice (β = 0.139), while attitude influenced practice (β = 0.266). Among high OSA risk individuals, knowledge directly impacted attitude (β = 0.645) and practice (β = 0.133). Knowledge indirectly influenced practice via attitude (β = 0.197). Additionally, attitude directly affected practice (β = 0.305). These findings provide insights into the interplay between OSA risk, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Inpatients with cardiovascular disease demonstrated inadequate knowledge, moderate attitude, and practice towards OSA. The findings highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and management of OSA.

Impact of a Case-Based Sleep Apnoea Education on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Confidence of Dental Hygiene Students-A Multicentre Intervention Study.

This pilot study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) before and after case-based education among dental hygiene students. Moreover, to give an international perspective, this study included students from the US and Scandinavia. A longitudinal multicentre study assessed dental hygiene students' OSA knowledge, attitudes and confidence through a case-based education model. Students from six dental hygiene programmes in the US, Norway and Sweden participated from 2021 to 2022. The intervention group (N = 89) received preview material, live synchronous OSA lecture, case-based screening of fictitious patients and clinical practice using the STOP-Bang screening tool. Controls (N = 70) followed the standard curriculum. The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaire, comprising 18 knowledge and five attitude/confidence questions, was used. Reliability was assessed and nonparametric tests determined OSAKA knowledge score differences among the baseline, 6 months and 12 months intervals. The intervention increased OSA knowledge with the largest increase in proportions of correct responses occurring between the baseline and 6 months and all single items showing a higher proportion of correct answers at 12 months compared to the baseline. Students' attitudes regarding the importance of OSAKA and confidence in managing patients increased from the baseline to both 6 months and 12 months. The case based educational intervention increased OSA knowledge and improved attitudes and confidence among dental hygiene students. The results also determined that the OSAKA questionnaire can be used in a setting with dental hygiene students to provide an overview of their knowledge, attitudes and confidence toward OSA. Current sleep medicine education in dental hygiene programmes is limited, suggesting the need for enhanced and sustained educational interventions to address this knowledge gap.

Improving obstructive sleep apnea competency of primary care clinicians through online education

ABSTRACT Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an often overlooked, widespread disease and a public health concern. Evidence-based practice guidelines do not exist to guide primary care clinicians' OSA screening practices. Clinicians must be competent in OSA; however, clinicians lack competency about this disease. Local problem: Elevated rates of undiagnosed OSA potentially exist in two rural and one suburban counties in Kansas, as indicated by the increased weight and elevated chronic disease prevalence in these counties' populations. Methods: A one-cohort, pretest–posttest, quasi-experimental design was used for this quality-improvement project implemented over 11 weeks. Clinicians' competencies on OSA were measured before and after the intervention using the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitude Survey. Intervention: A brief educational video on OSA was developed for this project. Definition, risk factors and complications, screening methods, definitive diagnosis, and treatment options were covered in this video. Results: Participants (N = 14) showed improved OSA competency after watching the educational video. Participants improved OSA competency after watching the interventional video (M = 16.3, SE = 0.194) versus preintervention (M = 14.2, SE = 0.318). Participants also improved OSA attitude scores postintervention. Conclusion: Primary care clinician OSA competency scores improved after engaging in a brief educational video intervention when measured using the OSA knowledge and attitude survey. Practicing clinicians can benefit from participating in education about the disease.

Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Patient Families in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study [Letter

Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Patient Families in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study [Letter

The knowledge profile, attitudes, and perioperative management of Chinese anesthesiologists towards patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional survey.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is increasingly encountered by anesthesiologists in clinical practice. However, research on managing these patients among anesthesiologists in China is scarce. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perioperative management strategies for OSA patients among Chinese anesthesiologists. In this cross-sectional study, anesthesiologists from various hospitals across China were invited to complete a thirty-eight-item online questionnaire survey between October 1 and November 1, 2022. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitude (OSAKA) scale was utilized to measure their knowledge and attitudes. A total of 470 valid participants were recruited for this research, resulting in a valid response rate of 73.3%. (1) While the majority of participants acknowledged the importance of identifying OSA during perioperative management, only 58.3% felt confident in managing OSA patients; (2) Anesthesiologists with higher professional titles and longer work experience exhibited greater confidence in managing OSA patients; (3) Just under half of the participants were familiar with the STOP-Bang and Berlin questionnaires. Anesthesiologists with over 20 years of work experience were more likely to use the STOP-Bang and Berlin questionnaires compared to those with less than 10 years of work experience (OR = 3.166, P < 0.001); (4) 71.1% of participants expressed approval regarding the preparation of sugammadex for muscle relaxation reversal, while only 32.8% approved the safety of opioid use for postoperative analgesia in OSA patients. The study displayed that Chinese anesthesiologists have inadequate knowledge and perioperative management of OSA than expected. However, they have positive attitudes towards the assessment and management of OSA. The study highlights the need for high-quality training to identify and manage OSA among Chinese anesthesiologists.

Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Korean Pulmonologists: A Nationwide Survey.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly impacts cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory health. In Korea, OSA patients are treated by specialists in internal medicine, otolaryngology, neurology, and psychiatry, but the participation rate of pulmonologists in OSA management is relatively low compared to other specialties. This study investigated the knowledge and attitudes about OSA among Korean pulmonologists. An online survey was conducted, targeting respiratory specialists listed in the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases directory. The survey used the validated "Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes" (OSAKA) questionnaire, which consists of questions about knowledge and attitudes on OSA. To maximize participation, email invitations were sent three times to the target audience. Out of 634 queried pulmonologists, 127 (20%) responded to the survey. The mean age of respondents was 45.4 ± 8.6 years. The respondents' years of specialty acquisition ranged from the 1980s to the 2010s. Additionally, 74 (58.3%) held a doctor's degree, and 96 (75.6%) worked in hospitals with a sleep center. Furthermore, 71 (55.9%) of the pulmonologists reported having experience with OSA patients. Pulmonologists with experience managing OSA patients had significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores compared to those without such experience. Interestingly, older respondents and those who completed their pulmonology training earlier had higher attitude scores. In addition, the knowledge score significantly correlated with responses to the five items of the attitude questionnaire. This study provides valuable insights into the knowledge and attitudes of Korean pulmonologists regarding OSA. The findings indicate that their knowledge levels are comparable to or better than those in previous studies. These results underscore the need for targeted educational programs and practical training, especially for younger pulmonologists, to enhance their proficiency in managing OSA and to encourage a more active role in its treatment.

Utilizing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire and Investigating Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Current Medical Undergraduates’ Concept

Abstract Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders in the world, but despite this, it is underdiagnosed and untreated. Given that sleep problems may be modifiable risk factors for adverse health outcomes, this study aimed to assess Saudi medical students’ perception toward OSA. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing a self-administered OSA Knowledge and Attitude questionnaire among medical students from seven universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between July 2022 and November 2022. Results: A total of 346 participants were included. 47.7% were male. The knowledge score ranged from 0 to 17 with an average knowledge score of 7.59 ± 3.68, and the knowledge score was normally distributed. Respondents who did not know the answer were 50% or greater in nine questions. None of the included respondents answered all questions correctly. The percentage of correct answers ranged from 7.8% to 66.8%. Two-thirds of the respondents knew that most OSA patients snore and overnight sleep study is the gold standard to diagnose OSA, while only 7.8% knew that laser-assisted uvuloplasty is an appropriate treatment for severe OSA. Gender, grade point average, and university showed no significant difference in terms of knowledge. Conclusion: The knowledge of medical students at Riyadh universities regarding the diagnosis and treatment of OSA was away from optimal. The reported lack of understanding of OSA may contribute to the underdiagnosis of this illness, which is becoming more common.

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PHYSICIANS REGARDINGOBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN TABUK CITY

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep disorder breathing and is characterized by repeated brief episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep for more than 10 seconds. It is a growing public health challenge with most of the cases remaining unidentified. The study aims to evaluate the general knowledge and attitude of primary health care physicians toward OSA in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia during 2023. It is a cross-sectional study. The estimated sample size is based on comprehensive data collection in which all primary healthcare physicians are invited to participate in our research. The validated Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire (OSAKA)was used. The data analysis was done by using SPSS for Windows version 21and GrpahPadPrism version 8.4.2. The level of significance is 0.05.The present study found that 65.7% of the participants (N=94) had good knowledge regarding OSA. The majority of participants had a positive attitude towards OSA. Additionally, results showed gender, nationality, and years of graduation had an association with knowledge regarding OSA (p=0.043, 0.047, 0.03 respectively). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (Spearmans rho = 0.29, p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that females have good knowledge as compared to males (p=0.047*).

Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among the General Population in Arar, Northern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have serious health consequences if left untreated, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Raising awareness about this condition can help reduce the stigma surrounding sleep disorders and encourage individuals to seek help if they suspect they may have OSA. It is important for the general population to be informed about this condition in order to promote better overall health and well-being. To assess the level of knowledge of OSA among the general population of Arar, Northern region of Saudi Arabia. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study to assess the knowledge of OSA in the general population in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. We used an online self-administered questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and questions about the subject's awareness. Four hundred thirty-nine individuals participated in this study. The majority of them 337 (76.8%) were female. About 181 (41.2%) of the studied participants were in the age category of 15-25years and 66.3% had heard about sleep apnea. Nearly 316 (72%) reported that sleep apnea is considered dangerous. Snoring, low sleep quality, and coughing were the main symptoms of sleep apnea. Moreover, obesity, smoking, and chronic diseases were the main causes of sleep apnea, according to the participants' knowledge. About 37 (8.4%) of participants said that they were diagnosed with sleep apnea, and 30 (6.8%) of them revealed that sleep apnea affected their quality of life. Knowledge of OSA in Saudi Arabia is considered inadequate. General population knowledge of OSA can be improved through a multi-faceted approach that involves public education campaigns, continuous medical education for healthcare professionals, and policy-level interventions.

Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Patient Families in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), if left untreated, can have major negative effects on health, such as an elevated risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Increasing people's knowledge of this illness might lessen the stigma associated with sleep problems and motivate them to get treatment if they think they might have OSA. This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of OSA among patients' families in Saudi Arabia. A phenomenological-oriented study with in-depth interviews was used to collect data from 28 participants. Two themes and subthemes emerged from the interviews, revealing significant knowledge gaps, especially regarding the health risks and management of OSA. Only a few participants were aware of the serious health implications of untreated OSA. Furthermore, many did not know about effective management strategies for OSA. The level of awareness and knowledge among participants was poor, with participants' lifestyles significantly affected by having relatives with OSA. They expressed concerns about challenges with CPAP adherence and recommended various coping techniques to support affected individuals.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices of Filipino adult neurologists on obstructive sleep apnea among stroke patients

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Filipino adult neurologists in the recognition and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients presenting with acute stroke. MethodologyA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey from April to June 2022 among active locally-practicing adult neurology fellows of the Philippine Neurological Association. The 18-item knowledge statements from the validated “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA) Questionnaire was used as survey instrument. There were also eight additional items assessing knowledge, six items assessing attitudes, and ten items assessing practices that were included. ResultsA total of 119 neurologists participated in the survey. Two-thirds of the respondents were females, and 70 % were between 31 and 40 years old. Majority of the respondents are General Neurologists (57.1 %) followed by Neurophysiologists (10 %) and Stroke Specialists (10 %). Forty-seven percent of neurologists got more than or equal to 75 % of the knowledge statements included in the OSAKA questionnaire correctly. Less than half of the respondents correctly answered the questions on (1) uvulopalatopharyngoplasty as curative for majority of patients with OSA (32.8 %), (2) continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can cause nasal congestion (42.9 %), (3) laser-assisted uvuloplasty as treatment for severe OSA (16.8 %), and (4) less than 5 apneas is normal in adults (48.7 %). Majority (>80 %) of the respondents were able to correctly answer the statements relating OSA and stroke. Almost all agreed that OSA as a clinical disorder (95 %) is important and that acute stroke patients with possible OSA needs to be identified (94.1 %) and further evaluated (96.6 %). On the other hand, less than half of the respondents feel confident in: identifying patients at-risk for OSA (47.9 %), ability to manage acute stroke patients with OSA (34.5 %), and ability to manage acute stroke patients with OSA on CPAP therapy (21 %). Most neurologists would sometimes screen OSA among their patients with acute stroke (55.5 %). Most respondents would only educate their patients on OSA sometimes (43.7 %). With regards to the diagnosis (42 %), risk factors (42 %), and treatment options for OSA (40.3 %), most would discuss them with their patients. ConclusionLess than half of neurologists were able to get at least 75 % of the knowledge questions. Majority had difficulty with statements pertaining to surgery as cure for OSA, CPAP therapy causing nasal congestion, and OSA severity classification. Almost all has a positive attitude towards the importance of OSA diagnosis and management; however, there is low confidence among them with regards to their practice in identification and handling of these patients.

Cardiovascular diseases across OSA phenotypes: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundDespite the considerable knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) implications for cardiac diseases, the evidence regarding cardiovascular complications across OSA phenotypes including Rapid Eye Movement OSA (REM-OSA) and Positional OSA (POSA) is limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases development and progression among patients with REM-OSA and POSA. MethodsBased on a retrospective cohort analysis, we included polysomnography studies done in the sleep lab at the Jordan University Hospital. Regarding cardiovascular diseases, primary outcomes were Heart Failure, and 1-years Major Adverse Cardiac Events while secondary outcomes were atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, other arrhythmia, metabolic profile, and echocardiographic measurements of the heart. ResultsThe total number of the included patients was 1,026 patients. POSA group had significantly lower percentage of patients with hypertension (P-value = 0.004). Additionally, systolic blood pressure and HbA1c were significantly lower among patients with POSA compared to the NPOSA group (P-value<0.050). Left ventricular end diastolic dimension was significantly higher among patients with POSA while ejection fraction was significantly lower (P-value<0.050). Patients with diabetes and mean HbA1c were significantly lower among patients with REM-OSA compared to patients with NREM-OSA (P-value = 0.015, P-value = 0.046). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, gender and preexisting comorbidities, POSA was significantly associated with lower ejection fraction and higher left ventricular diastolic diameter. ConclusionIn conclusion, our findings indicate that POSA might be associated with huge and clinically significant heart strain and poor cardiac functions, yet it might not have a clinically significant atherogenic effect. This study should guide clinicians to identify OSA phenotypes to imply the best treatment plan to reduce its detrimental impact on cardiac muscle.

The causality between obstructive sleep apnea and ventricular structure and function: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Multiple observational studies have discovered a substantial link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and ventricular dysfunction. However, conventional observational studies are vulnerable to causal reversal and confounding, making it challenging to infer the causes of effects and their direction. Methods: With the help of a bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, we assessed the potential causality between OSA and left and right ventricular (LV, RV) structure and function. We conducted our analysis utilizing summary data from genome-wide association studies of OSA (16,761 cases and 201,194 controls) in the FinnGen Study, as well as LV (36,041 participants) and RV (29,506 participants) in the UK Biobank cardiovascular magnetic resonance research. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) was selected as the main strategy, with the MR-Egger and weighted median methods serving as supplements. Other methods were employed as sensitivity analysis tools to look at heterogeneity and pleiotropy, including MR-Egger intercept, Cochran Q statistic, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out analysis. Results: In the primary IVW analysis, genetically predicted OSA was strongly causative on LV end-diastolic volume (β = 0.114, 95% CI = 0.034-0.194, p = 0.006) and LV stroke volume (β = 0.111, 95% CI = 0.031-0.191, p = 0.007), and genetically predicted LV ejection fraction was linked to an increased risk of OSA (OR = 1.161, 95% CI = 1.029-1.309, p = 0.015). However, there was no connection found between OSA and any RV parameters. Conclusion: Our genetic analysis raises a potential causative link between OSA and ventricular structure and function, which may improve the knowledge of OSA as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease by demonstrating a direct impact on cardiac structure and function.

The impact of obstructive sleep apnea on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodic sleep state-dependent collapse of the upper airway, with consequent hypoxia, hypercapnia, and arousal from sleep. OSA contributes to multisystem damage; in severe cases, sudden cardiac death might occur. In addition to causing respiratory, cardiovascular and endocrine metabolic diseases, OSA is also closely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As the prevalence of OSA and NAFLD increases rapidly, they significantly exert adverse effects on the health of human beings. The authors retrieved relevant documents on OSA and NAFLD from PubMed and Medline. This narrative review elaborates on the current knowledge of OSA and NAFLD, demonstrates the impact of OSA on NAFLD, and clarifies the underlying mechanisms of OSA in the progression of NAFLD. Although there is a lack of sufficient high-quality clinical studies to prove the causal or concomitant relationship between OSA and NAFLD, existing evidence has confirmed the effect of OSA on NAFLD. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms through which OSA impacts NAFLD would hold considerable importance in terms of both prevention and the identification of potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Jordanian Otolaryngologists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04180-8.

Knowledge and Awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among the Population of the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disease that causes a person to consciously breathe and have episodes during sleep in which airflow either completely stops or significantly slows down. The epidemiology and awareness of this disease is understudied in our region. In the present study, we aimed to examine the knowledge and awareness of OSA among the general population of the Southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, which was carried out from March to November 2022, data were collected from the adult population of the Jazan region using a self-administered questionnaire and presented as frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Descriptive analysis, t-test, and Chi-square test were used for analysis. Statistical significance was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: The number of participants in the study was 523, of which 30% were aware of OSA. Poor knowledge was reported among the participants regarding the complications of OSA, and some participants identified that stroke (38%), diabetes (13.4%), dementia (10.3%), and myocardial infarction (30%) are complications of OSA. Those between 18 and 29 years were most aware of OSA, and males’ knowledge was better than that of females. Conclusion About 40% of the included participants were aware of OSA, and most had poor knowledge. We found that most people have no reliable sources of information, and medical professionals need to put more effort toward raising people’s awareness of OSA. Further studies with a larger population are required to evaluate OSA’s awareness level.

Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Level of Knowledge Regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) among Nursing Students.

Background/Aim: The increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) necessitates the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients. Knowledge of OSA is limited among student doctors and nurses. Hence, we assess the level of knowledge regarding OSA among nursing students and evaluate effectiveness of a structured teaching program on the same. &#x0D; Methods: This was a quasi-experimental research study, that included 90 nursing students, selected by purposive sampling. They were asked to fill out questionnaire consisting of questions regarding OSA, followed by a structured training program about OSA. They were assessed for level of knowledge regarding OSA post-test.&#x0D; Results: Mean knowledge score pre-test was 5.39±3.37, and post intervention was 15.9±2.45 (P =0.0001). Majority of the students (82.2%, n=74) had no prior knowledge about OSA, and none had adequate knowledge pre-test. Post-test majority had adequate knowledge (71.11%, n=64). Having prior knowledge about OSA pre-test was significantly associated with increased level of pre-test knowledge (P =0.0001). &#x0D; Conclusion: The knowledge of OSA among nursing students was inadequate, but the structured training program substantially increased their level of knowledge.

Obstructive sleep apnea-related knowledge, attitude, experience, and behaviors among orthodontic professionals: a survey.

To assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-related experience, knowledge, attitude, and behaviors among orthodontic professionals in China and identify factors associated with their knowledge levels, attitude toward referring, and self-confidence in the management of patients with OSA. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 31-item questionnaire developed with a professional online survey tool ( www.wjx.cn ) and distributed via WeChat (Tencent, Shenzhen, China). Data were collected between January 16 and 23, 2022 and analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariate generalized estimation equations. A total of 1760 professionals responded to the survey, and responses to 1611 questionnaires were valid. The average score of correct answers to the 15 OSA knowledge questions was 12.1 ± 2.0. Most of the professionals agreed that it was necessary to identify patients who might have OSA in practice. The top three sources for gaining knowledge of OSA according to the survey were classrooms and textbooks (76.3%), medical lectures (75.7%), and academic conferences (73.2%). The level of knowledge was significantly correlated with self-confidence in treatment (P < 0.001) and willingness to refer patients to otolaryngologists or clinicians of related disciplines (P < 0.001). Most orthodontic professionals agreed that there was a need to identify patients withOSA and learn further about related problems. Treatment confidence and willingness of professionals to refer patients were related to the level of OSA knowledge. These findings suggest that promotion ofOSA-related education may help improve the care of patients with OSA.

Knowledge and Awareness of Parents About Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Jeddah: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is relatively common in childhood and is characterized by repeated partial or complete blockages of the upper airway during sleep. Children affected by OSA can experience various symptoms including snoring, restless sleep, and behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression, which interfere with their quality of life. Additionally, OSA can result in serious conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of OSA among parents in the Jeddah region. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of OSA among all parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through social media platforms. The online survey assessed the knowledge regarding the OSA definition, risk factors, associated symptoms, and treatment. Results A total of 462 participants were included. Only 16% of participants had a good level of knowledge of OSA, while the remaining 84% had a poor level of knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 15.39 ± 5.8, with a significant difference between occupations (P=0.039). Conclusion Our study reveals that parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have a low level of knowledge about pediatric OSA, with only 16% demonstrating good knowledge and less than half recognizing the definition of OSA. This lack of knowledge could lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, negatively impacting children's health and academic performance. Common symptoms of OSA reported by parents were restless sleep, mouth breathing, and snoring, but bedwetting and hyperactivity were poorly recognized. Adenoids, allergic sinusitis, enlarged tonsils, asthma, and obesity were identified as risk factors for OSA. Improving parental awareness of OSA through public campaigns, doctor consultations, and education programs is crucial. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Awareness Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aims to assess the knowledge and clinical practices among dentists in Saudi Arabia regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 8 months across the whole country. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the OSA knowledge and practices. The developed questionnaire was closed-ended questions and consisted of three parts: (1) demographic information such as age, gender, work experience, workplace, and specialty; (2) knowledge of OSA; and (3) OSA management practice. The knowledge score was calculated based on six questions, each of which gives one point when answered correctly. A total of 450 dentists from all over the country were surveyed, with a predominance of females (55.6%) and Saudis (59%). About 56% learned about OSA in their undergraduate study, with theoretical lectures being the main source of information. The overall knowledge score was 3.09, with specialists having a higher score than general practitioners (GPs) (p<0.001) and those who learned about OSA in their post-graduate study having higher scores (p<0.001). Despite this, 58.89% never asked their patients about sleep history, and only 19.11% diagnosed patients with OSA before. Only 7.56% used oral appliances to treat OSA, and only one-quarter referred patients to a physician for a sleep-disordered diagnosis. However, 79.33% were willing to attend a continuing education course on managing OSA patients. Our study shows that dentists in Saudi Arabia lack fundamental understanding regarding OSA and their role in screening, diagnosing, and treating patients with OSA, highlighting the need to educate the dental fraternity. Dental GPs and specialists, including orthodontists, must be actively involved in diagnosing and treating this life-threatening health issue.