Are physicians aware of obstructive sleep apnea in children?

Childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 1-3% of preschool children. If left untreated, it can result in serious morbidity including growth retardation, cor pulmonale, and neurocognitive deficits, such as poor learning and behavioral problems. Early recognition and treatment is important to prevent morbidity and sequela and to provide better quality of life both for the child and his or her family members. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the knowledge and attitude physicians have about pediatric OSA, using the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes in Children (OSAKA-KIDS) questionnaire.

The first section of the OSAKA-KIDS questionnaire, which includes 18 items presented in a true-or-false format, was developed to assess the knowledge physicians have about pediatric OSA. The second section, including five items, was developed to assess attitudes and was measured on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5.

A total of 230 questionnaires were completed by physicians: 138 (60.3%) pediatricians, 70 (30.5%) general practitioners and 21 (9.2%) pulmonologists. The mean total knowledge score was 66.7%. The knowledge score positively correlated with having sub-specialty training (r=0.205, P=0.002) and negatively correlated with having a higher degree (r=-0.283, P<0.001). The mean total attitude score was 3.4. The knowledge score positively correlated with the attitude score (r=0.27, P<0.001).

This study shows that among physicians there are deficits in knowledge about childhood OSA and its treatment. More focused educational programs are needed within medical schools and within pediatric residency and post-graduate training programs.