The symptoms and risk of sleep apnea among adults in the United Arab Emirates.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, sleeping disorders and snoring are being recognized as a public health concern with various risk factors and health consequences. The main objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of snoring and sleep apnea among adults (20-60 years) in Sharjah (United Arab Emirates, UAE) and assess the major risk factors as well as the general knowledge among the population.

METHODS: A self-administrated Questionnaire of five sections including both Berlin questionnaire (BQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scales (ESS) were given to a randomly selected population in Sharjah between the ages of 20-60 years. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0.

RESULTS: Nearly 34.2% of the study population reported to be snorers, and 43.2% of snorers were at high risk of sleep apnea based on the BQ. Gender was significantly associated with snoring ( P = 0.038), as 40.8% of males reported snoring compared to 28.7% of females. Elderlies (50-60 years) were at a higher risk, and obesity (body mass index >30) was considered to be a powerful risk factor as 46.8% of the obese participants reported snoring. Those who scored higher on the ESS were more likely to be snorers ( P = 0.001) and were likely to fall into the high-risk category in the BQ ( P = 0.007). In addition, smoking ( P = 0.005), hypertension ( P = 0.005), and nasal septal deviation ( P = 0.024) were also considered as risk factors.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence and major risk factors within the UAE are similar to those in other countries. Sleeping disorders and snoring campaigns and management facilities should be considered to raise the awareness about these issues and manage their risk factors.