Brief behavioral therapies reduce early positive airway pressure discontinuation rates in sleep apnea syndrome: preliminary findings.
Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is a serious disorder with significant daytime consequences. Treatment for SAS most commonly takes the form of positive airway pressure (PAP). Although effective, PAP adherence is often below expectations. Previous studies have suggested that the provision of information on the importance of PAP use can enhance adherence. In this study, we compare 2 brief behavioral approaches-traditional education (ED) and a motivational enhancement therapy (MET)-designed from theories of behavior change to standard clinical care. PAP discontinuation and adherence are the primary outcome measures. Both brief therapies decreased PAP discontinuation compared to standard care. The MET therapy performed best under the condition of flexible delivery of PAP, although differences were not statistically significant. Implications are discussed.
Aloia
Mark S
MS
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School. aloiam@njc.org
Smith
Kevin
K
Arnedt
J Todd
JT
Millman
Richard P
RP
Stanchina
Michael
M
Carlisle
Carol
C
Hecht
Jacki
J
Borrelli
Belinda
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*