Evaluation of Factors Affecting Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device Adherence in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objective: Many patients reject continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, cannot tolerate it, do not use the machine correctly, or do not fully comply with CPAP use. We aimed to evaluate the factors contributing to the non-adherence of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as face-to-face interviews with 183 patients diagnosed with OSAS and 79 partners. The patients were classified as those who stopped treatment (Group 1, n = 38), those with insufficient treatment (Group 2, n = 33), and those who continued treatment (Group 3, n = 112). Results: The total 183 patients comprised 132 (71.1%) men. A negative correlation was between continuation of treatment and the thought that there was no benefit from the treatment (r = -0.457, P = 0.001). A positive correlation was between partner support and treatment adherence (r = 0.371, P < 0.001). In the multivariate model, the most significant patient-related reasons for terminating positive airway pressure (PAP) were determined as insufficient partner support and the thought that there was no benefit from the device. The partners of patients with good treatment adherence reported that during the treatment period, there was an increase in their own daily performance and mental energy and a marked improvement in daytime sleepiness (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion: PAP device adherence is affected by many factors. It was shown in this study that the spousal factor is just as important as the patient in the treatment process as a whole, and to achieve adherence, the partner must be included in the process.