Objective: To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in adults aged over 30 yr in Shanghai, to provide data for estimating the burden of this disease and making strategies for treatment and prevention of this disorder.
Methods: 9,600 subjects (aged >or= 30 yr) were derived from a random sample of the population living in six streets, four districts in Shanghai. They were asked to answer the questions from a questionnaire concerning snoring, daytime sleepiness, and habits such as smoking and drinking, etc. According to the degree of snoring, 150 moderate and severe snorers were selected to be tested by portable PSG for whole night data. The prevalence of OSAHS was conservatively estimated from the result.
Results: 8,081 subjects (84.18%) had answered the questions, among them 6,826 (84.47%) were available for evaluation. The prevalence of ever snoring was 57.11%, moderate and severe ones 23.73%. Before the age of 70, the prevalence of snoring increased with age, and higher in males than females, particularly for moderate and severe snoring. Smoking and drinking were associated with the severity of snoring. The prevalence was higher in women post-menopause and with irregular menstruation. ESS was significantly different among snorers with various severities. When AHI >or= 5 was taken as the cut-point, the prevalence of OSAHS was 20.39%. After excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) definited as ESS >or= 9 was added as a criterian, the conservatively estimated prevalence of OSAHS was 3.62%.
Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of OSAHS in adults over 30 yr old was 3.62%. This can be a great burden to public health and implies that the disease needs better understanding and study.