title: A community-oriented framework to increase screening and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea among blacks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a leading sleep disorder that is disproportionately more prevalent in minority populations and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. OSA is associated with many chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, all of which are disproportionately more prevalent among blacks (ie, peoples of African American, Caribbean, or African descent).
  
  
  METHODS
  This article reviews studies conducted in the United States (US) that investigated sleep screenings and adherence to treatment for OSA among blacks. In addition, guidelines are provided for implementing a practical framework to increase OSA screening and management among blacks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several studies have documented racial/ethnic disparities in adherence to treatment for OSA. However, despite its public health significance, there is a paucity of studies addressing these disparities. Further, there is a lack of health programs and policies to increase screening and treatment of OSA among blacks and other minority populations. A practical framework to increase the number of blacks who are screened for OSA and treated appropriately is warranted. Such a framework is timely and major importance, as early identification of OSA in this high-risk population could potentially lead to early treatment and prevention of CVD, thereby reducing racial and ethnic disparities in sleep-related CVD morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: Natasha.williams2@nyumc.org.
authors.forename: Natasha J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Girardin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jean-Louis
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Joeseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ravenell
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Azizi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seixas
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Equity, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Islam
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Equity, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Chau
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Trinh-Shevrin
authors.affiliation: Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Division of Health and Behavior, Department of Population Health, NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Gbenga
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ogedegbe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States; D001741:Black or African American
keywords: African American; Black; Community-based; Minorities; Obstructive sleep apnea; Positive airway pressure