Evaluation of pediatric sleep screening practices in primary care in a northeastern region of France: A survey conducted among general practitioners

Background

Pediatric sleep disorders are underreported and underdiagnosed in primary care settings. This study aimed to compare the screening and management of sleep in young children during routine follow-up consultations by general practitioners (GPs) and physicians from Maternal and Child Protection services (MCPPs) in a region of France.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire with 20 closed questions designed to characterize knowledge and practices and to evaluate the perceived need for additional training in pediatric sleep. The survey was administered to 343 GPs and 28 MCPPs.

Results

A total of 211 (62%) GPs and 17 (61%) MCPPs participated in the survey. The respondents indicated a strong focus on sleep, GPs reporting significantly lower scores compared to MCPPs (4 [3, 4] vs 4 [4, 5], p < 0.008). A significantly higher proportion of physicians addressed the issue of sleep in the MCPPs group, 16 (94%), in contrast to an equivalent proportion of parents and physicians in the GPs group (p = 0.0007). The difficulties falling asleep were significantly less frequently addressed by GPs than MCPPs (p = 0.042), with no difference for the nighttime awakenings. A limited number of physicians, 24 (11%), have received training in sleep medicine, with significantly fewer GPs than MCPPs, while over half, 148 (65%), expressed a need for additional education.

Discussion

GPs demonstrated lower awareness and training in young children's sleep issues compared to MCPPs. These findings emphasize the need for improved training and awareness, highlighting the importance of evaluating children's sleep issues during pediatric consultations by GPs.