Factors affecting the intention and decision to be treated for obstructive sleep apnea disorder

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disorder has a deleterious impact on health. Using the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device effectively lessens OSA. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting patients' intention and actual decision to get treatment.

Questionnaires were distributed at three sleep laboratories in Israel among 633 participants suspected of having OSA. Six months later, 194 OSA patients were contacted to verify whether they had purchased a CPAP device.

Factors affecting intention to use the device included Health Belief Model variables, income level, and sleep laboratory location. The decision to get treatment was positively affected by the intention to use CPAP, the number of CPAP trial days, age, and number of years in the country.

Patients' attitudes and health beliefs prior to diagnosis may predict their intention to be treated for OSA, and in turn, affect their actual decision to get treatment. Awareness of behavioral intention can enable decision makers developing targeted interventions to promote treatment.