Knowledge and attitude toward obstructive sleep apnea among senior dental students, general dental practitioners, and dental specialists in Palestinian Authority: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude toward obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Palestinian Authority.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted from January 2025 to March 2025 and targeted senior dental students at Arab American University and Palestinian dental practitioners. A 37-item questionnaire including demographics, knowledge, and attitude categories was created using Google Drive.

RESULTS

A total of 585 senior dental students and dental practitioners responded to the survey, with a mean total knowledge score of 17.9 ±4.72 out of 23, and attitude score of 21.49 ±3.41 out of 28. Senior dental students revealed the highest knowledge level while the general dental practitioners showed the lowest.

CONCLUSIONS

Dental practitioners had insufficient knowledge about OSA and a neutral attitude regarding OSA patients' management and referrals. Thus, revision of curricula in dental schools and organizing more educational programs about OSA are needed.