Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome in patients admitted in a tertiary hospital in Cameroon: Prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

<div><p>Purpose</p><p>Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is poorly documented in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the hospital setting. The aim of this study was to determine its prevalence and to investigate the associated factors in patients admitted in a tertiary referral hospital in Cameroon.</p><p>Methods</p><p>In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Cardiology, Endocrinology and Neurology departments of the Yaounde Central Hospital; all patients aged 21 and older were included consecutively. A sample of randomly selected patients was recorded using a portable sleep monitoring device (PMD). OSAHS was defined as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/hour (with > 50% of events being obstructive) and moderate to severe OSAHS as an AHI > 15/hour. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated to OSAHS.</p><p>Results</p><p>Of the 359 patients included, 202 (56.3%) patients were women. The mean age (standard deviation) was 58 (16) years. The prevalence of OSAHS assessed by PMD (95% CI) was 57.7% (48.5–66.9%), 53.8% in men and 62.7% in women (p = 0.44). The median (25<sup>th</sup>-75<sup>th</sup> percentiles) AHI, body mass index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of OSAHS patients were 17 (10.6–26.9)/hour, 27.4 (24.7–31.6) kg/m<sup>2</sup> and 7 (5–9) respectively. The only factor associated to moderate to severe OSAHS was hypertension [odds ratio (95% CI)]: 3.24 (1.08–9.72), p = 0.036.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>OSAHS is a common condition in patients in this health care centre of Cameroon. In the hospital setting, screening for OSAHS in patients with hypertension is recommended.</p></div>