Parental understanding and attitudes of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea and adenotonsillectomy☆

Summary 

Objective

To explore parental perceptions and knowledge of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and adenotonsillectomy.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

National polling organization.

Participants

Population-based sample of 584 parents.

Intervention

Online surveys.

Main outcome measures

Responses to questions regarding knowledge of pediatric OSA and treatment with adenotonsillectomy.

Results

Ninety-five percent of parents acknowledged that pediatric OSA is a “serious condition”. Fifteen percent considered themselves to be “knowledgeable” about it. One fifth understood that untreated OSA could lead to cardiopulmonary disease, failure to thrive, or behavioral problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Less than 20% knew that pediatric OSA could be treated with adenotonsillectomy. Thirty-seven percent believed adenotonsillectomy to be an “outdated” procedure. Upon learning that adenotonsillectomy can treat OSA, 82% reported they would be eager to have a child with OSA undergo adenotonsillectomy.

Conclusions

The majority of parents do not understand symptoms, consequences and treatment of pediatric OSA secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Otolaryngologists should be diligent in communicating issues of this disorder with parents and pediatricians.

Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea, Adenotonsillectomy, Adenotonsillar hypertrophy