Prevalence of high risk for obstructive sleep apnea using STOP-Bang questionnaire in urban Thai population: A pilot study

Abstract

Background : The STOP-Bang is a widely used simple questionnaire that was validated to screen obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in many groups of patients. It can be beneficial for determining the prevalence of high risk for OSA in urban Thai population.

Objective : To determine the prevalence of high risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in urban Thai population by utilizing the STOP-Bang questionnaire.

Material and Method : Anonymous survey on adult at least 18 years of age was conducted at Health & Wellness exhibition, Bangkok, Thailand. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was utilized in the survey. The questionnaire consists of four simple yes/no questions including snoring, tiredness, observed apneas, blood pressure, and four clinical characteristics which were dichotomized according to specified cutoffs; BMI > 35, age > 50 years, neck circumference >40cm, and gender = male. Score at least 3 were considered as high risk for OSA. Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) as well as detailed demographic information related to several aspects of sleep was also obtained.

Results : The study included 414 Thai adults. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 51.6 ± 11.6 years old. Of the 414 participants, 305 participants (76%) were classified as high risk for OSA. High risk for OSA group was observed to have more male (88%). The STOP-Bang group yielded a mean score of 3.65. One hundred and seventy-two participants (41%) were noted to have excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS score ≥ 10). There was a significant correlation between STOP-Bang questionnaire score and Epworth sleepiness scale score (p <0.05, r = 0.267). Over 70% of the participants were identified as having high risk for OSA based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire.

Conclusion : High prevalence was observed in urban Thai population using STOP-Bang questionnaire. Considering the serious adverse health and quality of life consequences of OSA, screening for OSA in general populations should be attempted.