Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in the Society: Are Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Aware of Their Illness?

Abstract

Objective:The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has increased in recent years. Despite these high prevalence rates, it is suggested that actual prevalence is even higher, because of the very low awareness about the disease and many cases of OSAS were not diagnosed. This study aimed to determine awareness about OSAS.Materials and Methods:A face-to-face survey was conducted to individuals who sought to primary health care services. Participants were asked to complete the STOP-BANG questionnaire, a screening test for diagnosis of OSAS.Results:A total of 293 participants completed the survey. Of these, 39.6% stated that they had heard about the disorder, but when asked to describe the disease, this rate dropped to 28.7%. Only 20.5% could respond adequately. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was administered to the study group. Of the 293 patients, 194 (66.2%) were diagnosed with low risk, 31 (10.6%) had moderate risk and 68 (23.2%) had high risk of OSAS. Based on the results of STOP-BANG questionnaire survey, 52 (24.9%) patients who stated that they had no information about the disorder had a high risk of OSAS and 23 (11%) had a moderate risk of OSAS.Conclusion:Patients at risk of developing OSAS should be monitored by polysomnography and receive appropriate treatment. However, owing to the lack of knowledge, these patients are deprived of necessary treatment and thus become more susceptible to complications such as impaired concentration, hypertension, cardiac diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and even death.

Keywords

• obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
• awareness
• knowledge
• public health