Obstructive sleep apnoea and its knowledge and attitude among Indian anaesthesiolgists - A survey study

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has an estimated prevalence of 2%-4% in adult population and is increasing. Most of these are detected late which is the cause for higher perioperative morbidity. This survey was aimed to seek the level of knowledge and attitude of Indian anaesthesiologists towards OSA.

The OSA Knowledge and Attitude (OSAKA) questionnaire (23-statements) was distributed to the anaesthesiologists attending the difficult airway conference in December 2017. The first section has 18 statements pertaining to OSA knowledge. The second section consists of five statements to evaluate self-confidence in the management of OSA. Age, gender, professional title, type of hospital, years of experience, and bariatric experience were analysed.

205 out of 350 participants responded. In all, 201 (57.4%) fully completed responses were analysed. The mean ± standard deviation knowledge and attitude scores were 12.01 ± 2.88 (66.72% ± 16%) and 18.16 ± 3.75 (72.64% ± 15%) respectively. On exclusion of junior residents (n = 56), knowledge and attitude scores of qualified anaesthesiologists were 12.7 ± 2.55 (70.55% ± 14.16%) and 18.78 ± 3.91 (75.12% ± 15.64%), respectively. Anaesthesiologists with bariatric experience had a significantly higher attitude score when compared with those who do not practice bariatric surgeries (P < 0.01). There is weak but significant, positive linear correlation between knowledge and attitude score (r_s= 0.370, P < 0.01).

Deficit of adequate knowledge about OSA exists among Indian anaesthesiologists. Experience of managing cases with OSA seems to improve knowledge and attitude towards OSA.