0888 A Peer-Based Social Media Intervention to Promote Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence in Adolescents With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence in adolescents with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is suboptimal. This study evaluated an innovative CPAP adherence intervention for adolescents and their caregivers delivered via private Facebook groups. Study aims: (1) determine feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and (2) assess CPAP use pre- and post-intervention. Methods A pilot cohort study design was employed (N=6 dyads). Intervention included psychoeducation, CPAP use downloads/feedback, promoting peer-engagement through posts, videos, and polls. Adolescent and caregiver groups ran separately and simultaneously over 4-weeks. Measures: demographics, engagement/participation data, CPAP use, semi-structured interviews. Analysis: descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. Results Adolescents were Black/African American (100%), males (100%) with a median age of 16 years (range 13-17). Caregivers (n=6) were mothers (67%) and fathers (33%) with a median age of 47 years (range 38-55). Caregivers were more engaged with the intervention than adolescents, viewing content 65%, 75%, 85%, 90%, and 100% (n=2) of days versus adolescents who viewed content 0%, 20% (n=2), 40%, 75% and 100%. Semi-structured interviews revealed the intervention was perceived positively; learning/expanded knowledge, gaining a sense of community, and enjoyment in the opportunity to help others were commonly identified. Interview feedback revealed utilizing a different social media platform may be more beneficial for adolescent engagement. Participants noted the intervention promoted conversations between the adolescent and caregiver, and 4/6 teens cited increased motivation to use CPAP. Average CPAP use increased in 50% of participants (n=3); 33% (n=2) sustained their use, and one decreased use. Conclusion Participants consistently noted appreciation for knowledge gained and sense of community derived from the intervention. This study supports the potential utilization of social media platforms to not only provide reliable OSA/CPAP education but to also promote peer-engagement. Given the acceptability and increased CPAP use in this small sample, a larger trial is indicated. Support Lead author receives support from NIH/NHLBI Award T32 HL07953. Videos included in intervention supported by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Metabolism, Nutrition and Development Research Affinity Group Pilot and Feasibility Grant.