RESUMEN
Abstract Professional drivers show a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared with the general population. OSA has been widely associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents. This article aims to investigate the presence of risk factors for OSA, its prevalence and the value of screening tools in a truck drivers' cohort. Descriptive and analytical prospective study. Demographic, anthropometric, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP-Bang and Berlin Questionnaire were used to select subjects with suspicion of OSA. Polysomnography (PSG) was performed in individuals with positive screening. Mean age was 44.6±7 years, mean body mass index was 28.7±4 kg/m². Of the 281 truck drivers screened, 88 were positive for potential OSA. Of these, 63 completed PSG study and the diagnosis was confirmed in 85.7% (prevalence of 19.2%). The following variables showed a positive correlation with the apnea-hypopnea index: neck circumference and STOP-Bang. The combination of a predominantly male population, obesity, age distribution and lifestyle could account for the high prevalence of OSA in this specific population. Questionnaires proved to be a valuable screening tool. Screening, treatment, and management of OSA should be a priority as a public safety policy.
Resumo A prevalência de Síndrome de Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAOS) em motoristas profissionais é superior à da população geral e esta tem sido amplamente associada ao risco aumentado de acidentes rodoviários. Este artigo tem por objetivos investigar fatores de risco de SAOS, estimar a sua prevalência e o valor de instrumentos de rastreio numa amostra de motoristas de pesados. Estudo prospetivo descritivo e analítico. Rastreio realizado com recurso a dados demográficos, antropométricos, Escala de Sonolência de Epworth, STOP-Bang e Questionário de Berlim. Nos indivíduos com rastreio positivo foi realizada polissonografia (PSG). A idade média era de 44,6±7 anos, índice de massa corporal 28,7±4 kg/m². Dos 281 motoristas incluídos, 88 apresentavam risco elevado de SAOS. Destes, 63 realizaram PSG, com confirmação diagnóstica em 85,7% (prevalência de 19,2%). O perímetro cervical e STOP-Bang apresentaram correlação positiva com o índice de apneia-hipopneia. A combinação de género predominantemente masculino, obesidade, distribuição de idade e estilo de vida pode justificar a elevada prevalência de SAOS nesta população. O uso de questionários é uma medida eficaz de rastreio. Nos motoristas, o rastreio e tratamento de SAOS deveria ser uma medida de saúde pública prioritária.
RESUMEN
Professional drivers show a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) compared with the general population. OSA has been widely associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents. This article aims to investigate the presence of risk factors for OSA, its prevalence and the value of screening tools in a truck drivers' cohort. Descriptive and analytical prospective study. Demographic, anthropometric, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP-Bang and Berlin Questionnaire were used to select subjects with suspicion of OSA. Polysomnography (PSG) was performed in individuals with positive screening. Mean age was 44.6±7 years, mean body mass index was 28.7±4 kg/m². Of the 281 truck drivers screened, 88 were positive for potential OSA. Of these, 63 completed PSG study and the diagnosis was confirmed in 85.7% (prevalence of 19.2%). The following variables showed a positive correlation with the apnea-hypopnea index: neck circumference and STOP-Bang. The combination of a predominantly male population, obesity, age distribution and lifestyle could account for the high prevalence of OSA in this specific population. Questionnaires proved to be a valuable screening tool. Screening, treatment, and management of OSA should be a priority as a public safety policy.