title: Do the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome exist in highly trained Malay security personnel?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) has been associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, which may lead to reduced alertness. This study determines the distribution of OSAS among highly trained Malay male security personnel, an occupation that requires constant alertness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Berlin questionnaires (Malay version) were distributed and the body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference were measured. This questionnaire asked for symptoms indicative of OSAS and consists of three categories: snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue, and the presence of obesity or hypertension.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 661 respondents were involved in this study. There was a range of prevalence of the main symptoms of OSAS with 45 subjects (6.8%, 95%CI: 5.0-9.0) categorized in the high risk group for OSAS. There was no significant difference in age, but the BMI and neck circumference were significantly higher in the high risk group (p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of OSAS symptoms in highly trained security personnel found in this study suggests the need to screen for this syndrome in individuals involved in high risk occupations.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas Penang, Malaysia, Tel: 604-5622391; Fax: 604-5622349; e-mail: hasnah@amdi.usm.edu.my.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hashim
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Samsudin