Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Patient Families in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Ziyad F Al Nufaiei,1,2 Reem H Alluhibi,1,2 Mashael B Alsabiti,1,2 Haya Onaybisi,1,2 Lama M Alahmadi,1,2 Shatha A Jabal,1,2 Raid M Al Zhranei1,2 1Respiratory Therapy Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 2King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ziyad F Al Nufaiei, Department of Respiratory Therapy College of Applied Medical Sciences-Jeddah King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O.Box.9515, Mail Code 6610, Jeddah, 21423, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966551600060 Ext 46125, Email [email protected]: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), if left untreated, can have major negative effects on health, such as an elevated risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Increasing people’s knowledge of this illness might lessen the stigma associated with sleep problems and motivate them to get treatment if they think they might have OSA.Aim of the Study: This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of OSA among patients’ families in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A phenomenological-oriented study with in-depth interviews was used to collect data from 28 participants.Results: Two themes and subthemes emerged from the interviews, revealing significant knowledge gaps, especially regarding the health risks and management of OSA. Only a few participants were aware of the serious health implications of untreated OSA. Furthermore, many did not know about effective management strategies for OSA.Conclusion: The level of awareness and knowledge among participants was poor, with participants’ lifestyles significantly affected by having relatives with OSA. They expressed concerns about challenges with CPAP adherence and recommended various coping techniques to support affected individuals.Keywords: obstructive sleep apnea, lifestyles, knowledge & awareness, qualitative design, snoring, health literacy