Awareness of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome among the general population of the Lorraine Region of France

Abstract

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) seems to be underdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to assess awareness of OSAHS among the general population of the Lorraine Region of France.

Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study was carried out from July to November 2015 in the Lorraine Region, using an anonymous questionnaire that assessed knowledge of OSAHS-related symptoms and complications. The survey was also circulated on the Internet via social media. Exclusion criteria comprised age under 18 years, refusal to fill out the questionnaire and linguistic barrier.

Results: 1307 subjects filled out the survey: 1020 on paper format and 287 via the Internet. About two-thirds of the population recognized a majority of symptoms. However, there was a significant lack of knowledge of complications, especially cardiological and neurological. Suffering from OSAHS, having had higher education, and being under 40 years of age, were factors linked to better awareness of the syndrome. Internet respondents also showed better awareness.

Conclusion: Despite encouraging results regarding OSAHS symptoms, the general population showed limited awareness of its complications. Innovative educational campaigns must be organized to inform practitioners and the general public about the disease and raise awareness of its complications.

Keywords: Awareness; Complications; Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome; Questionnaire; Symptoms.