Assessment of the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are public health issues. The association of COPD and OSAS, called overlap syndrome, increases morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the proportion of medium-to-high risk of OSAS using the snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, pressure, BMI, age, neck, gender (STOP-BANG) questionnaire and identify associated factors in patients followed for COPD. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection from March 1 to August 31, 2024, in the pulmonology department of Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital. Of 82 eligible COPD patients, 12 refused consent (14.6% attrition rate), resulting in a final sample of 70 patients. Results: The mean age was 64.5 ± 13.3 years, 78.6% were male, and 52.4% had no formal education. Cigarette smoking was found in 50%. Common comorbidities were underweight (47.1%), hypertension (32.9%), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (27.1%). The proportion of medium-to-high risk of OSAS was 47.2%. In multivariate analysis, hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 51.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9–677.5, p = 0.003) and daytime sleepiness (OR 123.3, 95% CI 10.2–1492.6, p = 0.001) were independently associated with OSAS risk. Conclusion: The risk of OSAS is common among COPD patients. Systematic screening should be considered in cases of daytime sleepiness or repeated exacerbations.