Estimated prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea by occupation and industry in England: a descriptive study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can induce excessive sleepiness, causing work-related injuries and low productivity. Most individuals with OSA in the United Kingdom are undiagnosed, and thus, theoretically, workplace screening, might by identifying these individuals improve both their individual health and overall productivity. However, the prevalence of OSA in different workplaces is unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of OSA by industries and occupations in England.

The Health Survey for England 2019 dataset was combined with Sleep Heart Health Study dataset. We applied multiple imputation for the combined dataset to estimate OSA in the English population aged 40-64. We estimated the pooled prevalence of OSA by both industry and occupation by separating samples by Standard Industry Classification and Standard Occupation Classification.

The overall OSA prevalence estimated by imputation for ages 40-64 was 17.8% (95% CI = 15.9% to 19.9%). Separating those samples into industrial/occupational groups, the estimated prevalence of OSA varied widely by industry/occupation. Descriptive analysis revealed that the estimated prevalence of OSA was relatively higher in the Accommodation and food, Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, Construction industries, and Protective service occupations, health and social care associate professionals, and skilled construction and building trades occupations.

In England in 2019, Accommodation and food, Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, Construction industries, and Protective service occupations, health and social care associate professionals, and skilled construction and building trades occupations showed a relatively higher prevalence of OSA indicating that they may be target populations for workplace screening.