Awareness and attitudes of dental surgeons toward pediatric obstructive sleep apnea in West Bengal: A multicentric cross‑sectional study

Abstract

Background: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep. Early identification is essential to prevent adverse cognitive, behavioral, and systemic complications in children. Dental surgeons are strategically positioned to recognize early signs of OSA during routine examinations. Aim: To evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of dental surgeons in West Bengal regarding pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Materials and Methods: A multicentric cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental surgeons across various regions of West Bengal. A structured and self-administered online questionnaire was distributed via email and social media platforms. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding pediatric OSA, and attitudes toward its diagnosis and management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate categorical variables and non-parametric tests were applied for comparison of knowledge scores. A p-value