Using a generic measure of quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the utility of a Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI) in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea (OSAH).


METHODS
Physical examination, MQLI and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were applied to participants. In addition, a polysomnography or a respiratory polygraphy was carried out.


RESULTS
A total of 221 patients participated, 186 (84%) males, mean age 48.8 ± 11.8 years. The MQLI scores 7were .73 ± 1.45 and the ESS 9.9 ± 5.2. A total of 188 (85%) patients had OSAH: 40 (21%) mild, 43 (23%) moderate, and 105 (56%) severe. The average time to answer the MQLI was 3.5 min. Cronbach's alpha index was 0.930. MQLI score in patients with and without OSAH was 7.73 versus 7.75 (p = 0.949); and by severity: non-OSAH 7.75, mild 8.04, moderate 8.14, and severe 7.44 (p = 0.023). There was a slight correlation between MQLI score and Apnea-Hypopnea Index in total population, but it disappeared when we analyzed by severity. MQLI and ESS correlation was R = -0.3256 (p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The MQLI has limitations in identifying quality of life (QOL) alterations and a poor correlation with severity in OSAH patients. The MQLI quantifies QOL in a general way. We recommend supplementing the QOL evaluation with disease-specific instruments.
Rey de Castro
Jorge
J
Centro de Trastornos Respiratorios del Sueño, Clínica Anglo Americana, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru. jorgerey@speedy.com.pe
Rosales-Mayor
Edmundo
E
Ferreyra-Pereyra
Jenny
J
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010568:Peru; D017286:Polysomnography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires