[Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in a rural population].
OBJECTIVE
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is an under diagnosed condition with significant consequences on health. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of symptoms and key features of OSAS in a rural population.


METHODS
254 subjects were enrolled. We measured height (H) and weight (W), calculated body mass index (BMI) and determined glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Information about age, gender, medical history (diabetes, hypertension) was collected. All the participants filled in the Berlin questionnaire, which has separate questions regarding the symptoms of OSAS.


RESULTS
Snoring was reported by 44.1% of the subjects, observed apneas by 6.7% and excessive daytime sleepiness by 36.6%. All symptoms were more frequently reported by women. A higher percentage of obese, hypertensive and diabetics reported snoring (p < 0.001). When analyzing gender differences, the significance was maintained, except for diabetic men. Witnessed apneas were more prevalent in hypertensive subjects (p = 0.034), but were significantly associated with hypertension only in (p = 0.003). No correlation was found regarding excessive daytime sleepiness and the risk factors studied.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of OSAS symptoms and risk factors in this rural population was noticeable and efforts for early diagnosis and treatment are recommended.
Facultatea de Medicină, Universităţii de Medicină si Farmacie "Grigore T. Popa", Iaşi.
Otilia
O
Niţă
Lidia Iuliana
LI
Graur
Dana Stefana
DS
Popescu
Alina
A
Popa
Daniela
D
Boişteanu
Mariana
M
Graur
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012383:Romania / Q000453:epidemiology; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012913:Snoring / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015415:Biomarkers; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin