Indian Journal of Sleep Medicine

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VOLUME 18 , ISSUE 1 ( January-March, 2023 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Training of Pediatricians in India Regarding Sleep Disorders in Children: A Need to Wake Up!

KR Bharath K Reddy, Barnali Bhattacharya

Keywords : Education, Healthcare, Pediatric, Sleep, Sleep lab

Citation Information : Reddy KB, Bhattacharya B. Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Training of Pediatricians in India Regarding Sleep Disorders in Children: A Need to Wake Up!. Indian Sleep Med 2023; 18 (1):15-17.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0113

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 15-07-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2023; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disorders are prevalent in children. Pediatricians being the first point of contact for parents need adequate knowledge in the management of sleep disorders. This study was undertaken to understand the knowledge, attitude, practices, and training of pediatricians in India regarding sleep in children. Methodology: About 510 pediatricians across India completed a 24-item web-based survey. The domains assessed included sleep physiology, infant sleep, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and parasomnias. The respondents consisted of general pediatricians (85.42%), pediatric pulmonologists (4.40%), and pediatric neurologists (1.39%). Results: The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 54% (±17%). Pediatric pulmonologists scored above 90% in all questions compared with others. Only 203 (39.8%) respondents routinely asked questions regarding sleep patterns and sleep-related problems. About 22 (4.3%) respondents used a screening tool or sleep questionnaire in clinical practice, and 51 (10%) respondents were confident about managing sleep problems. About 19 (3.7%) respondents had referred a child for polysomnography (PSG). About 474 (93%) respondents said they did not receive any formal training in pediatric sleep medicine. Conclusion: The knowledge and practices among pediatricians in India on pediatric sleep disorders were found to be poor, similar to studies in other countries. This study hence highlights the increased need for awareness and education among pediatricians in India in pediatric sleep medicine.


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