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Parental Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Tonsillectomy in Children
Lauren A DiNardo1, Alyssa D Reese1, Maya Raghavan1
1Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Insights
Parental knowledge of childhood obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is limited, with significant gaps in recognizing key symptoms like nocturnal enuresis and hyperactivity. Increased concern about pediatric OSA correlates with better knowledge, highlighting a need for improved awareness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 2-5% of children, potentially causing serious health issues like cardiopulmonary disease and learning difficulties.
- Parental awareness of pediatric OSA is notably low, with only 15% reportedly knowledgeable.
- Existing knowledge gaps hinder timely diagnosis and management of OSA in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge regarding pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- To identify specific knowledge deficits among parents of children treated in otolaryngology clinics.
- To understand the relationship between parental concern and knowledge of pediatric OSA.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to parents of pediatric otolaryngology patients (0-18 years) in June 2021.
- Parents reported their concern levels and identified OSA symptoms, with demographic data collected.
- Respondents indicated if their child had undergone a sleep study or tonsillectomy.
Main Results:
- Only 10.2% of parents had a child who underwent both a sleep study and tonsillectomy.
- Parents correctly identified an average of 6.3 out of 13 OSA symptoms, with nocturnal enuresis and hyperactivity being least recognized.
- Higher parental concern about OSA was significantly associated with greater knowledge (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Parents attending pediatric otolaryngology clinics demonstrate significant knowledge gaps concerning pediatric sleep apnea.
- Children who underwent tonsillectomy or sleep studies had more concerned parents, suggesting a link between medical intervention and awareness.
- Educational interventions are needed to improve parental understanding of pediatric OSA and its symptoms.
Objective:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is present in approximately 2% to 5% of children; however, only 15% of parents are reported to be knowledgeable about OSA in children. Sleep apnea in children can lead to cardiopulmonary disease, abnormal weight gain, failure to thrive, or learning difficulties. The purpose of our study is to assess parental knowledge of pediatric OSA to identify any knowledge gaps.
Study Design:
Survey.
Setting:
Three pediatric otolaryngology clinics associated with a tertiary care children's hospital in Buffalo, NY.
Methods:
In June of 2021, parents of pediatric (0-18 years) otolaryngology patients completed a survey on their knowledge of OSA. Parents were asked to rank their concern about OSA and identify symptoms of OSA. Parental demographic data collected included gender, age, race, and educational level. Respondents were asked if their child had undergone a sleep study or tonsillectomy.
Results:
Of the 246 parents included, 77 (31.4%) parents had a child who had a tonsillectomy, 40 (16.3%) had a child who had a sleep study done, and 25 (10.2%) had a child with both done. For recognizing the symptoms of pediatric OSA the mean was 6.3 (95% CI 5.8-6.8) out of 13 total. Symptoms least likely recognized were nocturnal enuresis and hyperactivity, 65 (27%) and 91 (37%) of parents correctly identifying these symptoms, respectively. Greater concern about OSA correlated with greater cumulative knowledge score (P < .001). Parents whose child had undergone a tonsillectomy were more likely to be concerned about OSA in children compared to non-tonsillectomy parents (P = .003), and sleep study parents were also more likely to be concerned about OSA than non-sleep study parents (P = .045).
Conclusion:
Parents who attended a pediatric otolaryngology clinic have knowledge gaps about pediatric sleep.
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