Practice, self-confidence and understanding of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea survey among pediatricians

摘要

Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey study, using a newly developed questionnaire; including: 21 knowledge items, 4 self-confidence items, questions regarding OSA screening, number of OSA cases per month and OSA management. Results. A total of 307, convenient pediatricians; from different types of hospitals across all regions of Thailand, participated in this study. The median, total knowledge score was 19 (range 14?21). Two-thirds of the respondents felt confident/extremely confident in their ability to identify and manage children with OSA. The average number of OSA cases reported by pediatricians was 5.9 cases per month. During a general medical check-up, 86.6% of the respondents did not routinely ask about OSA symptoms. Significant odds ratios (ORs) for the use of montelukast, as the first-line drug for OSA in young children, were observed in pediatric allergists and pulmonologists (adjusted OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.11–6.01 and adjusted OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.2–4.02) (P = 0.008), respectively, compared to general pediatricians and other sub-specialties. Conclusions. Pediatricians had a high level of overall OSA knowledge, and good self-confidence in identifying and managing children with OSA. However, a low recognition rate and unawareness of OSA screening were observed.