Prevalence and high risk of obstructive sleep apnea among commercial drivers in Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for drowsy driving and car crashes due to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), this presents a major public health problem. Polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing OSA, but its wide applicability is hampered by limited access and cost. Thus, OSA risk assessment typically comprises the use of validated screening instruments that evaluate multiple parameters to obtain a score that reflects the magnitude of risk of OSA. Objective: To determine the prevalence and high risk of OSA among commercial motor vehicle drivers in Kenya. Methods: Study design: Cross sectional study. Data was collected using a questionnaire incorporating the Epworth sleepiness score and the Stop bang questionnaire and patients were divided into low and high risks of OSA. The risk factors associated with OSA in the univariate analyses were subjected to a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for these independent variables. Results: Four hundred and thirty one drivers participated in the study, predominantly males; Age 39.09 ± 9.4 years; High risk of OSA 37.4%; Neck circumference 37.58 ± 2.9 cm; BMI 26.86 ± 4.6 kg/m 2 ; Obese 25.1%. Factors including age, BMI, and blood pressure were significantly associated with high risk of OSA using bivariate analysis nevertheless age, and BMI remained predictive of high risk of OSA on logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: High risk of OSA is common among commercial motor vehicle drivers; it may be under-recognized and is associated with risk factors that are amenable to preventive strategies.