Objective: To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in adults aged over 20 years in Changchun city, providing epidemiological data for treatment and prevention of the disease.
Methods: 3,960 subjects were derived from a stratified cluster and random sampling of the population in two districts of Changchun city. They were asked to answer the questions from a questionnaire in their houses. According to the degree of snoring, 200 subjects with a snoring score >or= 2 degree were selected to undergo polysomnography for a whole night and the prevalence of the disease was estimated.
Results: A total of 3,648 (97.64%) validated questionnaires was collected. Of them 31.00% had a snoring score >or= 2 degree, the prevalence was higher in males (40.07%) than in females (21.76%). The prevalence of snoring was higher in drivers (42.47%) than in other occupations. The estimated prevalence of OSAHS defined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >or= 5, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) >or= 9 and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) < 90% was 4.81%.
Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of OSAHS in adults aged over 20 years in Changchun city was 4.81%. Doctors should pay more attention to the disease and the ordinary people should be informed of the health impact of snoring and OSAHS.