Recently diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea patients: knowledge and mindset in a Belgian population

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition with possible severe consequences, necessitating diverse treatment options including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mandibular advancement devices (MADs) as first-line interventions and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) as a second-line option. This study aimed to evaluate patients' knowledge of OSA and their treatment preferences, investigating whether information about treatment options influenced their mindset. Incorporating 82 recently diagnosed OSA patients, a questionnaire including demographics, medical information, and treatment preferences was administered alongside polysomnography (PSG) results. Nominal logistic regressions and chi square analyses were used to provide insights into any potential associations or influences. Patients exhibited moderate knowledge levels (42.7% on OSA, 45.1% on treatment-options). After receiving information, patients changed their treatment choices. CPAP was the preferred treatment (69.5%), followed by MAD (65.9%) and MMA (20.7%). Patients would mainly initiate treatment to be better rested (53.7%). An adequate explanation from a doctor (82.9%) was the most important factor during this decision-process. Therapy related characteristics and side-effects showed significant association with the treatment choices. Average OSA and treatment knowledge of recently diagnosed OSA patients is moderate, which makes an explanation of all treatment options after their diagnosis crucial. Additionally, involving patients in the decision-making process regarding their treatment is important. Patients have a different mindset and preference when properly informed on the different treatment options. By offering a patient-centred treatment, it might be possible to initiate the appropriate therapy for the patients more rapidly, and might lead to enhanced satisfaction.