Knowledge and Awareness of Parents Attending Pediatric Clinic Regarding Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Jeddah: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic, recurrent episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. It has a negative impact on quality of life and behavior and can lead to adverse neurological and cardiovascular outcomes if left untreated. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of pediatric OSA among parents attending a general pediatric clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to December 2022, on parents who attended the pediatric clinic at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire, either using a tablet or a paper-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information and questions assessing the parents' knowledge and awareness of pediatric OSA.Results: The study included 146 participants. The mean knowledge score was 15.38 ± 6. Only 20% of the participants had a good knowledge level, while 80% had a poor level of knowledge. Furthermore, regarding the definition of OSA, 60 out of 146 participants answered correctly. Enlargement of adenoids was the most recognized risk factor, and restless sleep was the most recognized symptom. The majority of participants agreed that consulting an expert doctor was the best method to raise awareness about childhood OSA. Conclusion:The result of our study reveals the low level of awareness and knowledge of pediatric OSA among parents attending a pediatric clinic in Jeddah. This highlights the need for health education programs and sensitization campaigns to improve awareness of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

Knowledge and Awareness of Parents About Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Jeddah: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In our study, we found that restless sleep, mouth breathing, and snoring were the most reported symptoms. These findings are consistent with previous studies by Alosaimi et al and Bashir et al However, our study showed a significantly higher correct response rate compared to Bashir et al's study [ 7 , 8 ]. Our findings also revealed that bedwetting and hyperactivity were poorly recognized by the parents, similar to the results of studies conducted by Alosaimi et al and Xu et al [ 8 , 10 ].…”

“…Furthermore, the least recognized risk factors were sickle cell disease, diabetes mellitus, Down syndrome, low birth weight, and cerebral palsy. These findings were consistent with the Alosaimi et al study but contradicted the findings of the Bashir et al study, which reported better recognition of these risk factors [ 7 , 8 ]. One possible explanation for this discrepancy is that our study and the Alosaimi et al study were both conducted in Jeddah, while the Bashir et al study was conducted across Saudi Arabia [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Therefore, we believe that it is critical to increase parental awareness of OSA to ensure that children can have healthy and normal lives. Despite the importance of parental awareness, only two studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to assess it [ 7 , 8 ]. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of OSA among parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.…”

“…The study revealed a lack of knowledge among parents about pediatric OSA. [ 8 ]. These findings highlight the critical need for increased education and awareness campaigns among medical professionals and the general public regarding pediatric OSA in Saudi Arabia.…”

Factors Affecting Breast Cancer Screening Behavior Among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

“…Similarly, a study conducted among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, found that despite positive attitudes toward BSE, this method has performed poorly [10]. Therefore, there is still a need for early detection of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia and to understand the factors affecting BSE.…”