Understanding sleep apnoea: Prevalence, awareness, and readiness for orthodontic treatment in adults and children

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) while investigating awareness and readiness for orthodontic treatment. The primary objectives were to understand the burden of OSA and explore the potential role of orthodontic interventions in managing this condition. The study employed a cross-sectional design, including a sample of 48 adults and 46 children from various geographical areas in Chennai. Craniofacial morphology assessments and validated questionnaires (Berlin Questionnaire for adults, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire for children) were utilized for OSA risk assessment. Participants were screened for risk factors and symptoms, and their awareness of OSA and willingness to pursue orthodontic treatment were evaluated. Ethical guidelines were adhered to, and data were collected through standardized forms and electronic databases.Among the surveyed adults, 85.7% were identified as loud snorers, and significant proportions experienced daytime fatigue (53.6%) and choking during sleep (46.4%). Findings also revealed disrupted sleep patterns in 57.1% of adults, with 32.1% seeking medical consultation. Notably, 25% were aware of OSA, and none were familiar with orthodontic treatments. However, 53.6% expressed willingness to undergo orthodontic appliance treatment. In the pediatric population, 31% of children were loud snorers, and 34.5% experienced tiredness at school. While 17.2% of parents were familiar with OSA, only 3.3% knew about orthodontic treatments. Nevertheless, 34.5% expressed a willingness to pursue orthodontic appliance treatment for their children. The study reveals a significant prevalence of OSA symptoms in both adults and children. Despite a high prevalence of symptoms, awareness of OSA and knowledge about orthodontic treatment options are notably low. Overall, enhancing public understanding of OSA and its treatment options can pave the way for more diverse and effective interventions.