Knowledge and attitude of physicians for the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disease characterized by recurrent complete (apnea) or partial (hypopnea) upper respiratory tract obstructions episodes during sleep and often a decrease in blood oxygen saturation. The knowledge and attitude of physicians about OSA is very important as it influences the level of clinical suspicion of OSA which can lead to diagnose. Therefore, aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of and attitude to OSA of physicians. Material and Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey study included 105 physicians in a university hospital. Participants completed the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaire through the face-to- face interview method. Results:The study respondents comprised 55 (52.8%) males and 50 (47.6%) females with a mean age of 34.4±7.3 years (range, 23-59 years). The years of experience was mean 10.45±7.37 years (range, 1–35 years). The knowledge level of physicians was mean score of 11.56±2.70 (64.1%). Attitude section, the mean score was 16.34±2.47 from a possible maximum of 25. A positive correlation was determined between the knowledge and the attitude scores of the physicians (r: 0.467 p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that importance of the level of knowledge of physicians about OSA for early diagnosis and provision of treatment.