[A study of the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in drivers].

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in drivers in Chengde city.

METHODS

The prevalence of snoring and OSAHS in drivers was investigated by a questionnaire, and some of the drivers with more severe snoring were also evaluated by polysomnographic study.

RESULTS

Among the 718 investigated drivers, never snoring was reported in 68.3% (490/718), mild snoring in 31.7% (228/718), and moderate and severe snoring in 16.6% (119/718). The prevalence of snoring increased with age. The prevalence of snoring was higher in males (33.6%) than in females (15.3%). When their knowledge of snoring was evaluated, 43.2% (310/718) thought snoring was not a disease, 16.7% (120/718) considered snoring as a disease but needed no treatment, 40.1% (228/718) considered it as a disease and needed treatment but only 1 had ever received treatment. If AHI > or = 5/h was used as the diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of OSAHS in the drivers was 12.3% (28/228); and if Epworth Sleepiness Scoring (ESS > or = 9) was combined, the prevalence of OSAHS was 4.1% (9/228).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of snoring in drivers was 31.7%, and the prevalence of OSAHS was 4.1%. Drivers need to be informed of the potential harm of OSAHS on their work.