O022 Characteristics of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea with a focus on the First Nations population

Abstract

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common with an estimated prevalence of 9-38%. First Nations Australians experience a burden of disease 2.3 times that of the general population. Notably, many of the conditions prevalent in this population are associated with OSA. However, there is a paucity of data relating to the characteristics of First Nations Australians with OSA. Methods This audit aims to analyse the characteristics, co-morbidities, and sleep study data of the cohort of patients referred to our facility for a sleep study between 2010-2023, with a subgroup analysis of the First Nations population. Results To date we have analysed data for 587 patients who attended our facility from 2022-2023 of which 28 (4.7%) identify as First Nations. We analysed 325 diagnostic sleep studies. 315/325 patients were non-First Nations. Of these 61 had a normal study, 88 had mild OSA, 73 had moderate OSA and 93 had severe OSA (as defined by apnoea-hypopnea index of 5-15, 15-30 and >30 respectively). The average BMI was 34.12kg/m2. 10/325 patients identified as First Nations. Of these 3 had a normal sleep study, 3 had mild OSA, 4 had moderate OSA and 2 had severe OSA. The average BMI was 33.98kg/m2. Discussion Data collection and analysis are ongoing. Our small sample size to date likely underestimates the proportion of clients who identify as First Nations. Through this study we hope to gain a deeper understanding of, and contribute to, existing knowledge of specific risk factors present in this group.