Dr. Natalia Spierings
Andrea Biscardi
Mbaye Fatimata Binetou Rassoule*, Cisse Goumbo, Befene Catherine Noélie, Cisse Maimouna Fafa, Thiam Khady, Dia Kane Yacine and Toure Nafissatou Oumar
Background: Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common, underdiagnosed chronic respiratory condition, particularly in sub- Saharan Africa. Despite its high global prevalence estimated at nearly one billion individuals, data on medical knowledge in countries with limited resources remain incomplete.
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical practitioners in Dakar regarding SAHOS.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional multicenter study with a descriptive and analytical focus, conducted from April to June 2024 among 200 doctors in three hospitals in Dakar (CHNU of Fann, Idrissa Pouye General Hospital, CHN of Pikine). Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire on socio-demographic aspects, information sources, theoretical and practical knowledge and OSAH management.
Results: The median age was 30 years, with a male predominance (sex-ratio of 1.4). The majority of respondents were physicians in specialization (62%). While 70% of doctors had heard about OSA, only 30% could correctly identify its key symptoms. The overall level of knowledge was considered insufficient in 64% of cases. Clinical practices, including the use of CPAP, remained marginal.
Conclusion: This study highlights a significant deficit in training and awareness of OSA among practicing physicians in Dakar. It stresses the need to systematically integrate this syndrome into training curricula and continuing education programmes, following the example of recommended practices in Western countries.
Research and Reports in Medical Sciences received 13 citations as per Google Scholar report
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