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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Predicting treatment adherence in obstructive sleep apnea using principles of behavior change
Mark S Aloia1, J Todd Arnedt, Carl Stepnowsky
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA. Aloia@Brown.edu
Summary
Behavior change principles like readiness and self-efficacy predict continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Early assessment is key for predicting long-term CPAP use.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition requiring long-term treatment.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a primary treatment for OSA, but adherence can be challenging.
- Understanding factors influencing CPAP adherence is crucial for effective OSA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive value of behavior-change principles on CPAP adherence in individuals with moderate to severe OSA.
- To compare the predictive utility of different behavior-change measures at various time points.
Main Methods:
- A prospective longitudinal study involving 98 treatment-naive OSA participants.
- Assessment of behavior-change principles (readiness to change, self-efficacy, decisional balance) at baseline, 1 week, and 3 months.
- Covert monitoring of CPAP adherence (nightly use at prescribed pressure) over 6 months.
Main Results:
- Measures of readiness to change and self-efficacy predicted CPAP adherence at 6 months when assessed at 1 week and 3 months posttreatment.
- Baseline assessments of these behavior-change principles did not predict 6-month CPAP adherence.
- These behavioral measures did not significantly improve prediction beyond prior adherence data.
Conclusions:
- Readiness to change and self-efficacy are significant predictors of CPAP adherence in OSA patients.
- The predictive utility of these measures is strongest when assessed closer to the initiation of CPAP therapy.
- Behavior-change principles offer potential targets for interventions to improve long-term CPAP adherence.
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