Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders: a Cross-Sectional Study among General Public
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Introduction: Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) are common underdiagnosed conditions with significant health consequences, including cardiovascular complications and impaired quality of life. Globally, disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea affect a substantial proportion of adults and are expected to rise with increasing risk factors like obesity, while remaining largely unrecognized.
Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding SRBD among the general population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months (June–September 2024) at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, including 250 participants aged ≥18 years. Data were collected using a validated 30-item semi-structured questionnaire assessing KAP domains and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 29.0).
Results: Among participants, 56.4% had heard of SRBD, yet 58% did not consider it serious and only 42% recognized its health impact. Knowledge gaps were evident, with 52.4% unaware of diagnostic methods and 48.4% unaware of treatment options. Regarding attitudes, 47.2% would seek medical care and 41.2% were open to treatment, but only 17.6% were willing to undergo polysomnography. In practice, 55.2% avoided risk factors, while 73.2% had never discussed sleep concerns with a healthcare provider. Mean KAP scores showed moderate knowledge, mildly positive attitudes, and poor practices.
Conclusion: Significant gaps persist in awareness and health-seeking behaviour related to SRBD. Targeted education, improved screening, and primary care training are essential to enhance early diagnosis and management.
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