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<p>Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common yet underdiagnosed sleep-related breathing disorder with significant cardiovascular and socioeconomic consequences. Public awareness remains a key barrier to early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and knowledge of OSA among the general public in South India. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2024 among 430 individuals attending hospitals, PHCs, and UHCs for complaints unrelated to OSA. Participants with prior OSA diagnosis or symptoms were excluded. A validated questionnaire (English/Tamil) assessed demographic details, awareness, knowledge of symptoms, complications, and management. Data were collected through Google Forms or paper-based surveys. Mean age of participants was 38.6 ± 10.2&#xa0;years; 51.4% were male. Educational distribution: primary (26%), secondary (18%), graduate (37%), postgraduate (19%). Only 27% had heard of OSA. Awareness of health risks was low (22.1% in adults, 33.7% in children). Snoring (73.5%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (44%) were the most recognized symptoms, while &lt; 20% identified other manifestations. Only 10% were aware of diagnostic tools such as sleep studies or sleep endoscopy. Knowledge of treatment was limited: 72.9% cited lifestyle modifications, 47.5% good sleep hygiene, 24.9% surgery, 26% CPAP masks, and 13.8% sleeping pills. Approximately 35% were “not sure” about predisposing factors and complications. Public awareness of OSA in South India is poor, with major gaps in understanding of risk factors, complications, diagnostics, and evidence-based treatment. Awareness campaigns, early screening, and dissemination of information via social media and community programs are urgently needed.</p>

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Breathing in the Shadows: Awareness of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among the South Indian Population

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月22日

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  • A. R. Siddharth,
  • Meenushaa Vinoth,
  • Vinoth Manimaran,
  • Vijaya Krishnan Paramasivan,
  • Somu Lakshmanan

摘要

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common yet underdiagnosed sleep-related breathing disorder with significant cardiovascular and socioeconomic consequences. Public awareness remains a key barrier to early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and knowledge of OSA among the general public in South India. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2024 among 430 individuals attending hospitals, PHCs, and UHCs for complaints unrelated to OSA. Participants with prior OSA diagnosis or symptoms were excluded. A validated questionnaire (English/Tamil) assessed demographic details, awareness, knowledge of symptoms, complications, and management. Data were collected through Google Forms or paper-based surveys. Mean age of participants was 38.6 ± 10.2 years; 51.4% were male. Educational distribution: primary (26%), secondary (18%), graduate (37%), postgraduate (19%). Only 27% had heard of OSA. Awareness of health risks was low (22.1% in adults, 33.7% in children). Snoring (73.5%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (44%) were the most recognized symptoms, while < 20% identified other manifestations. Only 10% were aware of diagnostic tools such as sleep studies or sleep endoscopy. Knowledge of treatment was limited: 72.9% cited lifestyle modifications, 47.5% good sleep hygiene, 24.9% surgery, 26% CPAP masks, and 13.8% sleeping pills. Approximately 35% were “not sure” about predisposing factors and complications. Public awareness of OSA in South India is poor, with major gaps in understanding of risk factors, complications, diagnostics, and evidence-based treatment. Awareness campaigns, early screening, and dissemination of information via social media and community programs are urgently needed.