PERCEPTION OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS REGARDING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND ITS PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in hypopnea or apnea. Obesity is the primary risk factor, and OSA is strongly associated with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive dysfunction. Physiotherapy plays a significant role in management by addressing obesity, promoting physical activity, and utilizing non-invasive approaches such as oropharyngeal and respiratory exercises to improve airway stability and overall patient outcomes.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and perception regarding obstructive sleep apnea and its physiotherapy management among physiotherapists.

Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over six months across both public and private tertiary hospitals in Karachi. A total of 181 participants, comprising physiotherapists and house officers, were recruited using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Inclusion criteria included participants aged ≥22 years, working clinically in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, and willing to participate. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed written consent was secured. Data collection tools included the validated questionnaire previously utilized in a published study and the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0, where categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables as mean ± standard deviation.

Results: Of the 181 participants, 46 (25.4%) were males and 135 (74.6%) were females, with a mean age of 26 ± 4.49 years. Knowledge scores were found to be low, with participants achieving a mean of 3.93 on the OSAKA questionnaire and 2.65 on the physiotherapy management knowledge scale. Less than half of the participants were aware of OSA prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis, or physiotherapy-related management strategies. Awareness of C-PAP as the first-line therapy was reported by only 21.5%, and knowledge of oropharyngeal exercises was noted in just 7.2% of respondents.

Conclusion: The study concluded that physiotherapists and house officers had limited knowledge and perception of OSA and its physiotherapy management. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted education and training to strengthen awareness, improve patient outcomes, and integrate physiotherapy into multidisciplinary management strategies for OSA.