A cross-sectional study conducted among physicians practicing in Kinshasa has revealed significant gaps in their knowledge and practice of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The study, published in the Annales Africaines de Médecine, aimed to assess the knowledge of physicians in Kinshasa regarding OSAS in children and identify factors associated with their level of knowledge. The study included 369 physicians with a median age of 35 years, comprising 80.5% general practitioners.
The study found that while all physicians recognized typical respiratory symptoms of OSAS, such as snoring and breathing pauses, non-respiratory manifestations remained underestimated by less than 50% of respondents. Polysomnography was identified as the gold standard test by 84.3% of respondents, but only 28.2% were familiar with the severity criteria. These findings suggest that physicians in Kinshasa have a relatively high level of awareness about OSAS, but their knowledge is limited in certain areas.
The study also identified factors independently associated with a low level of knowledge about OSAS. These factors included age less than 35 years, being a general practitioner, having less than 5 years of professional experience, and practicing in the private sector. The odds ratios for these factors were 0.21, 0.09, 0.25, and 0.09, respectively. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve the knowledge and practice of OSAS among physicians in Kinshasa.
The study's results have significant implications for the management of pediatric OSAS in Kinshasa. The authors conclude that despite a relatively high level of awareness, physicians in Kinshasa still lack sufficient knowledge and best practices regarding pediatric OSAS. Strengthening training and improving access to diagnostic tools are essential to enhance management of the condition.
The study's findings are consistent with previous research highlighting the need for improved training and education on pediatric OSAS. The authors suggest that interventions should focus on improving knowledge and practice among general practitioners and young physicians, who are more likely to have limited knowledge about OSAS. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve access to diagnostic tools, such as polysomnography, to support accurate diagnosis and treatment of pediatric OSAS.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Pediatrics, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, and the School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa. The researchers used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from physicians practicing in Kinshasa. The study's results are published in the Annales Africaines de Médecine, a peer-reviewed journal.
Overall, the study highlights the need for improved training and education on pediatric OSAS among physicians in Kinshasa. The findings have significant implications for the management of the condition and highlight the importance of strengthening training and improving access to diagnostic tools.
Key points
- The study found that 65% of physicians in Kinshasa had a low level of knowledge about pediatric OSAS.
- Factors associated with a low level of knowledge about OSAS included age less than 35 years, being a general practitioner, having less than 5 years of professional experience, and practicing in the private sector.
- The study emphasizes the need for strengthened training and improved access to diagnostic tools to enhance management of pediatric OSAS in Kinshasa.
