1071 Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Pulmonologists in South Korea: A Survey Study

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has known associations with cardiovascular and metabolic conditions and is increasingly recognized in chronic lung diseases like COPD and IPF. In South Korea, OSA patients receive care from various specialties, but pulmonologists' involvement is limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of pulmonologists in South Korea regarding OSA. Methods An online survey was conducted in February 2023, targeting all registered respiratory specialists listed in the online directory of the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. The survey utilized the "Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire" (OSAKA), a previously validated instrument. Three email invitations were sent to potential participants to encourage survey participation. Results A total of 127 pulmonologists (20.0%) completed and returned the questionnaires. The mean age of respondents was 45.4 ± 8.6 years, with 68.5% being male. Additionally, 71.7% of respondents were affiliated with university hospitals, and 79.5% were working in hospitals with more than 500 beds. The median total knowledge score was 15.0 [13.0;16.0], and the overall proportion of correct answers was 0.8 [0.7;0.9]. Notably, pulmonologists who had experience in managing OSA patients exhibited significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores than their counterparts without such experience. Furthermore, those with OSA treatment experience demonstrated more confidence in OSA screening, OSA diagnosis, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy management. Interestingly, attitude scores tended to be higher among older respondents and those who graduated from medical school and completed pulmonology specialist training earlier in their careers. Conclusion The knowledge levels of South Korean pulmonologists regarding OSA were found to be comparable to or better than those reported in previous studies. Nevertheless, there remains a need for targeted education and practical exposure to OSA management, especially for younger respiratory physicians, to enhance their proficiency in treating OSA patients effectively. Support (if any)