title: Breaking through limbo: experiences of adults living with obstructive sleep apnea.
abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially devastating condition that diminishes quality of life and leads to serious consequences without treatment. Diagnosis often is delayed and, once diagnosed, adherence to prescribed therapy tends to be a major barrier to management. This grounded theory study was focused on the experiences of a diverse group of 82 adults who were at various points in the process of obtaining a diagnosis and living with OSA. Participants described being in "limbo" and needing to break through that limbo to be successful at managing their OSA. Results provide new insights into the experience of living with OSA that can be beneficial in promoting treatment and shaping effective management of the condition.
authors.affiliation: a College of Nursing University of New Mexico.
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011788:Quality of Life; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D035501:Uncertainty