Continuous positive airway pressure adherence for obstructive sleep apnea.

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition requiring treatment.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a primary therapy for moderate to severe OSA.
• Patient adherence to CPAP therapy remains a significant challenge in managing OSA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient-specific and demographic factors predicting adherence to CPAP therapy.
• To analyze the relationship between baseline disease severity (AHI) and long-term CPAP use.
• To explore socioeconomic factors influencing CPAP compliance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 368 patients diagnosed with OSA (AHI > 15) recommended for CPAP.
• CPAP compliance assessed at 1-4 months and 1 year post-initiation.
• Statistical analysis to determine predictors of adherence, including age, AHI, income, and education level.

Main Results:

• Only 29% of patients were compliant at 1-4 months, and 12% at 1 year.
• Higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values ( > 27.3) predicted compliance in males.
• Increased time from initial visit to receiving CPAP machine was associated with poorer compliance.
• Higher income and higher percentage of non-high-school graduates in an area correlated with better compliance.

Conclusions:

• Older male patients with higher AHI values demonstrate better CPAP adherence.
• Minimizing the delay between the initial visit and CPAP machine delivery is crucial for improving compliance.
• Socioeconomic factors may play a role in CPAP adherence, warranting further investigation.