Knowledge and attitudes about obstructive sleep apnea among otorhinolaryngology trainee residents in Saudi Arabia: A survey-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder frequently encountered in otorhinolaryngology practice. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea among otorhinolaryngology trainees in Saudi Arabia.  Methods: This was a survey-based cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was sent in July 2020 via email and WhatsApp instant messaging to all otorhinolaryngology trainee residents in Saudi Arabia. We utilized the previously validated obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes questionnaire (OSAKA).  Results: 32.4% of all email recipients completed the questionnaire and met the inclusion criteria. 66.7% were males, thirty-two participants (53.3%) were at the junior level (R2-R3), and twenty-eight (46.7%) were at the senior level (R4-R5). The mean total knowledge score was 13.98/18. Senior residents had a higher mean total knowledge score than junior residents. Senior residents had a higher mean total attitude score than junior residents. Age, gender, residency program area, and years of previous otorhinolaryngology practice showed no significant differences in terms of knowledge levels and attitudes toward obstructive sleep apnea. Exposure to obstructive sleep apnea surgery and awareness of sleep disorders other than sleep apnea were found to be associated with an increased level of confidence in identifying patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnea and in the ability to manage them.  Conclusions: This study describes the current condition of obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes among otorhinolaryngology residents in Saudi Arabia. Addressing studied elements may improve training outcomes.

Patient satisfaction and experience with anesthesia: A multicenter survey in Saudi population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients' satisfaction of anesthesia outcomes is a major part of the overall quality of health care. The aim of this study is to evaluate patient's satisfaction whether pre- or post-operative as well as overall impression using a multicenter prespecified survey tool. METHODS: Three hundred and three patients who underwent surgery regardless the type of anesthesia were surveyed. The interview conducted face-to-face before surgery then within the first 24 h of surgery. We recorded all basic demographics of patients, the quality of postoperative symptoms control, and the impression about anesthesia team. RESULTS: The overall satisfaction level was moderate (56.5%) with nearly half of the patients dissatisfied with their anesthetic care due to different reasons. Nausea and vomiting control was the most common postoperative reasons for dissatisfaction followed by pain control with 35.6% and 31.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Type of anesthesia, giving an informative visit to the patient, and the control of postoperative symptoms are the most important predictors of patients' satisfaction.