Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Dental Interns in Egyptian Universities
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Basic parameters: No limits · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding the Management of Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Dental Interns in Selected Egyptian Universities: A Cross-Sectional Study
Overview
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common yet underdiagnosed sleep-related breathing disorder in children that may result in serious health and behavioral complications if left untreated. Dental professionals can play an important role in the early identification and referral of pediatric OSA cases during routine dental examinations. However, limited knowledge and inadequate clinical practices may affect their ability to contribute effectively to patient care. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea among dental interns in selected Egyptian universities using a validated questionnaire.
Detailed description
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disrupted ventilation and altered sleep patterns. If left undiagnosed and untreated, pediatric OSA may negatively affect children's physical growth, behavior, cognitive performance, and cardiovascular health.
Dental professionals are in a unique position to recognize early signs and symptoms of pediatric OSA during routine oral examinations, including mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils, craniofacial abnormalities, and bruxism. Consequently, dentists can contribute significantly to the early screening, referral, and multidisciplinary management of pediatric OSA.
Dental interns represent future oral healthcare providers; therefore, evaluating their preparedness regarding pediatric OSA is essential. However, there is limited evidence regarding dental interns' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward pediatric OSA in Egypt.
This observational cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea among dental interns in selected Egyptian universities using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Additionally, the study aims to identify possible gaps in awareness and clinical practice and to evaluate the association between knowledge, attitude, practice, and demographic characteristics.
Primary outcome measures
- Knowledge regarding pediatric obstructive sleep apnea [Time frame: baseline]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Attitude toward pediatric obstructive sleep apnea [Time frame: baseline]
- Practice regarding pediatric obstructive sleep apnea [Time frame: baseline]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Dental interns enrolled in selected Egyptian universities. Interns willing to participate voluntarily in the study. Interns able to complete the online questionnaire.
Exclusion criteria
Undergraduate dental students other than interns. Graduated dentists or postgraduate dentists. Incomplete questionnaire responses. Participants who decline to provide informed consent.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07604831 · U MSA Hagar