International Journal of Yoga, Physiotherapy and Physical Education

Authors
Avi Choudhary, Priyanka Chugh

Abstract
Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea is by far the most common form of sleep disordered breathing and is defined by frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. Specifically, it is characterized by sleep-related decreases (hypopnoea) or pauses (apnoeas) in respiration. This is a serious problem because undiagnosed and untreated OSA has adverse cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and economic implications. Physiotherapy can also play an important role in management of obstructive sleep apnoea by reducing weight and by reducing muscular hypotonia of tongue muscles. Aim: To assess awareness and knowledge of graduating physiotherapy students regarding OSA and also by this we can give information to physiotherapy students regarding this disease. Methodology: The study population consisted of final-year physiotherapy students at Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of physiotherapy, New Delhi. All the students are expected to go into practice as physiotherapists after successfully completing this examination. This is a survey based study on awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea. A cross sectional and random method was used to collect data from students about the knowledge of obstructive sleep apnoea in New Delhi. A specially designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Data of 50 students was collected and analyzed. Different questions were asked from the students to collect the data to conclude the awareness rate in BCIP students about obstructive sleep apnoea. Questions were asked on knowledge, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment strategies of obstructive sleep apnoea. Result: According to our survey on the awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea, the knowledge and awareness about obstructive sleep apnoea in BCIP students is found very less. Only 20% students are aware of the term obstructive sleep apnoea, only 4% students was there who knows about the sign and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea. There is only one student who knows about diagnosis and risk factors of obstructive sleep apnoea. No student has knowledge about treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Conclusion: After our survey regarding the awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea, we find there is only negligible awareness in the physiotherapy students about this disease. Therefore we concluded that the knowledge of obstructive sleep apnoea in student is not enough to deal with an obstructive sleep apnoea patient in future.