Knowledge and awareness of obstructive sleep apnea among patients’ families in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea is considered one of the most undiagnosed disorders among adults. The reason behind this phenomenon is due to uncertainty of its symptoms. Therefore, this phenomenological-oriented study is designed to explore the knowledge and awareness of patients’ families toward obstructive sleep apnea. Methods : A phenomenological-oriented study was utilized as a qualitative research method. A total of 28 participants who met our inclusion criteria and were selected to participate. They agreed to participate via signed a consent form. A one-on-one semi-structured interview process using the Zoom platform. Transcripts were obtained and analyzed via two independent researchers utilizing an inductive approach. Results: Seven themes emerged from the interviews: lifestyle habits, accompanying symptoms, debilitating conditions, difficulties with CPAP, suffering & fear, coping techniques, knowledge, and awareness among the society Conclusion: The level of awareness and knowledge among participants was low. The lifestyle of the participants who were exposed to close relatives with OSA is dramatically changed due to many factors such as the patient’s mood, afraid to leave them alone, and fear of losing their loved ones. In addition, participants are afraid of difficulties that may exist if their patients avoid using CPAP or complications of the device itself. Finally, coping techniques were recommended by all the participants to help their loved ones to overcome this disorder.