Comparison of the incidences of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in African-Americans versus Caucasian-Americans.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relative incidence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in African-Americans compared to a cohort of Caucasian-Americans.


METHODS
A prospective study of 2 groups of subjects (287 African-Americans and 236 Caucasian-Americans) to evaluate OSAHS severity based on subjective symptoms and anatomic findings. Subjects were from a public health and fitness fair attended by approximately 80,000 people where attendees were invited for an ENT screening.


RESULTS
Using OSAHS scores based on subjective symptoms and anatomic findings, the African-American group had a significantly higher incidence of "probable" OSAHS. In addition to symptoms of OSAHS, the questionnaire ascertained that African-American bed partners are more likely to accept loud snoring as compared to Caucasian-American bed partners.


CONCLUSIONS
OSAHS may be more common in African-Americans, but African-American bed partners are more likely to accept snoring. The medical community should strive to increase awareness and education about OSAHS in the African-American community.


METHODS
B-3b.
Department of Otolaryngology and Bronchoesophagology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA. hednnek@aol.com
Michael
M
Friedman
Darius
D
Bliznikas
Michaela
M
Klein
Praveen
P
Duggal
M
M
Somenek
Ninos J
NJ
Joseph
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000208:ethnology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D044465:White People