The prevalence and comorbidities of obstructive sleep apnea in middle-aged men and women: the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study

Study Objectives: Population surveys suggest the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is high and increasing and that risk factors and outcomes differ between sexes. To explore these relationships we assessed current OSA prevalence, potential risk factors and comorbidities, and their changes relative to previous estimates in the same community. Methods: All adults on the Busselton, Australia, electoral roll born 1946-1964 were invited to participate in a general health survey. Of the 5,037 (62% response rate) respondents, 3,686 successfully completed overnight 2-channel (oximetry, airflow) sleep studies. These were scored and categorized as nil, mild, moderate, or severe OSA based on apnea-hypopnea index (< 5, >= 5 to < 15, >= 15 to < 30, and >= 30 events/h, respectively). Sleep scores were related to participant characteristics and health profiles. OSA prevalence was compared with previous surveys in the community. Results: Prevalences of any and moderate-severe OSA were 57.7% and 20.2% in males and 41.7% and 10.0% in females. Matched for age group, the prevalence of moderate-severe OSA was similar to that in 2007 (males 24.6%, females 9.8%) and was higher than in 1995 (males 4.7%). OSA was associated with age, body mass index, and alcohol intake in males and age and body mass index in females. Conditions associated with OSA included hypertension and current depression in males and hypertension, skin cancer, and diabetes in females. Conclusions: Prevalence of OSA in a middle-aged, predominantly White population in 2010-2015 was high, has increased since 1995, and has remained stable since 2007. Sex differences exist in associated features, including potential risk factors and comorbidities.