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


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
National polling organization.


METHODS
Population-based sample of 584 parents.


METHODS
Online surveys.


METHODS
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 Thirty-seven percent believed adenotonsillectomy to be an "outdated" procedure.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.
Strocker
Ali M
AM
UCLA Division of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, United States.
Shapiro
Nina L
NL
D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000234:Adenoids / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*