Risk Assessment for Self Reported Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in a Greek Nursing Staff Population

Abstract

Background and objectives: The risk assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in specific occupational populations is important due to its association with morbidity. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk of OSA development and EDS in a Greek nursing staff population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study a total of 444 nurses, 56 males (age = 42.91 ± 5.76 years/BMI = 27.17 ± 4.32) and 388 females (age = 41.41 ± 5.92 years/BMI = 25.08 ± 4.43) working in a Greek secondary and tertiary hospital participated during the period from 18 January 2015 to 10 February 2015. The participants completed the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), concerning the risk for OSA and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), concerning the EDS. The work and lifestyle habits of the participants were correlated with the results of the questionnaires. Results: According to the BQ results 20.5% (n = 91) of the nursing staff was at high risk for OSA. Increased daytime sleepiness affected 27.7% (n = 123) of the nurses according to ESS results. Nurses at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), positive for both BQ and ESS, were 7.66% (n = 34). Out of the nurses that participated 77% (n = 342) were working in shifts status and had significant meal instability (breakfast p < 0.0001, lunch p < 0.0001, dinner p = 0.0008). Conclusions: The population at high risk for OSA and EDS in the nursing staff was found to be 20% and 28% respectively. High risk for OSAS was detected in 7.66% of the participants. The high risk for OSA and EDS was the same irrespective of working in shift status. In specific, nursing population age was an independent predictor for high risk for OSA and skipping lunch an independent predictor of daytime sleepiness.

Cross Sectional Study of the Community Self-Reported Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and Awareness in Thessaly, Greece

“…Additionally, OSA is strongly associated with inflammation disorders and, interestingly, with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis [ 7 ]. Studies from the USA, Australia, India, China and Korea report that the prevalence in the general adult population spans from 3 to 7% in men, and 2 to 5% in women, to more than 49% depending on age and gender [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Change in the Constricted Airway in Patients after Clear Aligner Treatment: Retrospective Study

“…In patients with cardiovascular disease the prevalence of the OSA is between 50% to 80% and in half of the subjects with heart failure the mortality and the prognosis are worse [31]. OSA is prevalent in the medical field confirmed by Greek research held by Alexandropoulou et al in Greek secondary and tertiary hospitals that the 27,7% of the staff experienced daytime sleepiness out of the 444 Greek nursing staff population [32].…”

Change in the Constricted Airway in Patients after Clear Aligner Treatment: A Retrospective Study

“…OSA affects more than 50% of the adult population; in non-communicable disease patients, 27.9% males and 23.8% females [ 28 ] in patients with cardiovascular disease 50% to 80%, while in half of the subjects with heart failure the mortality and the prognosis are worse [ 29 ]. In the medical field Alexandropoulou confirmed that the 27.7% of the staff of the 444 Greek nursing staff population experienced daytime sleepiness [ 30 ].…”