title: Claustrophobia and adherence to CPAP treatment.
abstract: This study evaluated the effect of claustrophobia, an abnormal dread or fear of closed spaces, on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The design was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective study of participants (N = 153) that completed 3 months of CPAP therapy from seven sleep disorders centers in the United States and Canada. A 15-item subscale adapted from the Fear and Avoidance Scale measured claustrophobic tendencies pre-CPAP treatment and again after 3 months. An overt monitor attached to the CPAP machines recorded mask-on CPAP adherence. There was a statistically significant difference in claustrophobia scores by adherence group (< 2 hours, 2 to < 5 hours, > or = 5 hours) and time period (pre-CPAP and after 3 months CPAP). Poor CPAP adherence (< 2 hours per night)was more than two times higher in participants with a claustrophobia score > or = 25. Identification of persons with increased claustrophobia tendencies and targeted interventions may increase adherence.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, USA.
authors.forename: Eileen R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Chasens
authors.forename: Allan I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Pack
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maislin
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Dinges
authors.forename: Terri E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Weaver
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*