Abstract
This study compared differences in both maladaptive beliefs and attitudes about sleep between African American (heareafter referred to as black) men at risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and those without OSA risk.MethodsA convenience sample of 120 community-dwelling men provided sociodemographic, health and sleep data. A validated questionnaire was used to identify men at high risk for OSA and the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS-16) scale was used to measure endorsed attitudes and beliefs about sleep.ResultsThe mean age of the sample was 42 ± 15 years. Men reported difficulty falling asleep (23%), difficulty maintaining sleep (23%), early morning awakening (35%), and use of sleep medicine (6%). 27% were at high risk for OSA. Men at high OSA risk had greater DBAS scores [F1, 92=13.68, p<0.001]; OSA risk was related to greater rate of sleep dissatisfaction overall [46% vs. 13%, Χ2=24.52, p<0.001].ConclusionThe findings suggest that maladaptive beliefs and attitudes about sleep are important characteristics of black men at risk for OSA, and potential screenings around sleep difficulties should also consider these factors.
Highlights
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a debilitating chronic condition characterized by snoring and repetitive partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway
The findings suggest that maladaptive beliefs and attitudes about sleep are important characteristics of black men at risk for OSA, and potential screenings around sleep difficulties should consider these factors
To assess risk for OSA, we administered the Apnea Risk Evaluation SystemTM questionnaire (ARESTM), which includes questions on sleep patterns, daytime functioning, sleep apnearelated factors, and diseases associated with risk for sleep apnea
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a debilitating chronic condition characterized by snoring and repetitive partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. Risk factors for OSA include habitual snoring, older age, craniofacial abnormalities, alcohol consumption, and obesity [1]. Men are at greater risk for OSA and the ratio of OSA in men to women in the general population is estimated to be 5 to 1 [2]. Black race is reported to be a risk factor for OSA [3,4] with reports of higher prevalence of OSA among Blacks. This finding is not consistent across all age groups. There is some evidence to suggest that blacks are underdiagnosed [5] and because of the limited population level data 1, the prevalence of OSA in this population is poorly characterized
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
