Awareness and Attitude of Physicians on the Role of Dentists in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Najla S. Alrejaye, Khalid M. Alfayez, Hafsah H. Al Ali, Yara M. Bushnaq, Reem S. Bin Zaid, Fahad K. Alobaid and Mostafa A. Abolfotouh ()
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Najla S. Alrejaye: King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
Khalid M. Alfayez: College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia
Hafsah H. Al Ali: College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 14611, Saudi Arabia
Yara M. Bushnaq: College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh 13244, Saudi Arabia
Reem S. Bin Zaid: King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
Fahad K. Alobaid: College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Mostafa A. Abolfotouh: King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-14

Abstract: Background: Efforts to evaluate physicians’ awareness and attitude toward dentists’ comprehensive role in OSA management are relatively negligible. Therefore, this study aimed to assess physicians’ awareness and attitude toward the role of dentists in OSA management in Saudi Arabia. Methods: In a multi-center cross-sectional study, a total of 358 physicians in Saudi Arabia were subjected to an e-questionnaire composed of three sections: (1) physicians’ demographic data, (2) physicians’ general and specific knowledge of OSA and its management [using 29 factual statements to be responded by “True, False, or I don’t know” responses], and (3) physicians’ attitude towards dentists’ role in OSA management [using 12 attitude statements to be responded by a Likert scale of “Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Usually, Always” responses]. A scoring system was applied for both knowledge and attitude, total and percentage mean scores (PMS) were calculated, and knowledge and attitude levels were categorized accordingly. Predictors of correct knowledge and favorable attitude were identified using multiple regression analyses. Results: Physicians had an overall average knowledge level (PMS = 56% ± 19.4%), with 35.5% and 5.9% reporting good general and specific knowledge levels, respectively (χ 2 = 143.0, p < 0.001). Physicians had an overall neutral attitude level (PMS = 64.4% ± 17.5%), with about one-half reporting a neutral attitude level (48.9%) and only one-fourth reporting a positive attitude level (27.7%). Higher levels of knowledge were a significant predictor of favorable attitudes ( t = 5.71, p < 0.001). Higher training levels were a significant predictor of correct knowledge ( t = 3.60, p < 0.001) and favorable attitude ( t = 3.15, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Physicians showed insufficient knowledge about OSA and a less than favorable attitude towards dentists’ role in its management. Enhancing medical curricula and clinical protocols and guidelines on the dentists’ role in OSA management is recommended.

Keywords: attitude; sleep-related breathing disorder; Saudi (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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