Prevalence of symptoms of sleep apnoea syndrome in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction. Sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) is a frequent and underdiagnosed pathology. Epidemiological studies in sub-Saharan Africa are few. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAS symptoms in an adult population in Burkina Faso.

Method. A cross-sectional study whose data collection took place at the Yalgado Ouédraogo Teaching Hospital, from 1 September to 31 October 2014. We randomly enrolled all subjects aged at least 25 accompanying an outpatient t the time of a visit. A strong suspicion of SAS was established for every combination of ordinary snoring with excessive daytime sleepiness and/or sleep apnoea.

Results. e study included 311 subjects – 181 men and 130 women. e mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 31.84 (8.25) years and the average (SD) BMI was 23.14 (3.67) kg/mÇ. e prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring and sleep apnoea was 4.5%, 26% and 9.6%, respectively. A strong suspicion of SAS was found in 9.6% of respondents and the risk factors associated with this strong suspicion were BMI 25 kg/m2 (odds ratio (OR) 2.7; p=0.012), and poor-quality sleep (OR 3.7; p<0.001).

Conclusion. A signicant proportion of our sample had symptoms suggestive of SAS. Testing with either respiratory polygraphy or polysomnography should be proposed to the presumptive cases for early diagnosis and treatment