Awareness of obstructive sleep apnea among university students in Malaysia Kumar Kavitha Ashok1,*, Mazni Syamil Bin2, Jeppu Ashok Kumar3 1Head of the Unit Otorhinolaryngology, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Shah-Alam, Malaysia 2BMS, Head of the Unit Biochemistry, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Shah-Alam, Malaysia 3Head of the Unit Biochemistry, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Shah-Alam, Malaysia *Corresponding author: Ashok Kumar Jeppu Associate Professor, Head of the Unit, International Medical School Management and Science University University drive, Shah Alam, 40100, Malaysia
Online published on 1 November, 2018. Abstract Background and Aims Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)is a sleep disorder which causes intermittent stoppage of breathing. This sleep disorder can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring and interferes with day to day work. In Malaysia obesity is prevalent in younger generation and lack of awareness of this disorder may contribute to increase in number of obstructive sleep apnea cases in future. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of obstructive sleep apnea among the student community of a private Malaysian university. Materials and Method A cross sectional study design was employed and the subjects were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires The questionnaire consisted of part A which focused on the socio-demographic profile and part B for awareness and knowledge of OSA. An informed consent was taken from all the participants. Result 133 of participants (38%) could correctly elaborate the abbreviation OSA. 91(26%)were able to correctly list at least one risk factor of OSA. 101 (29%)were able to correctly list out at least one symptom while 63 (18%)could correctly list out at least one complication of this condition. 63 (18%)could correctly select at least one method of diagnosing OSA and 56 (16%) could correctly list out at least one treatment option for OSA. Conclusion The knowledge and awareness of OSA is poor among the student community. Awareness of this condition should be raised through social media and campaign. Top Keywords Obstructive Sleep Apnea, awareness, students. Top |