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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Oct;122(10):961.e1-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.03.031.

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea on the internet: randomized trial

Kevin O Hwang  1 , Abdurrahman M Hamadah, Craig W Johnson, Eric J Thomas, G Ken Goodrick, Elmer V Bernstam
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea on the internet: randomized trial

Kevin O Hwang et al. Am J Med. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is underdiagnosed. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of an online intervention to promote obstructive sleep apnea screening among members of an Internet weight-loss community.

Methods: Members of an Internet weight-loss community who have never been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or discussed the condition with their healthcare provider were randomized to intervention (online risk assessment+feedback) or control. The primary outcome was discussing obstructive sleep apnea with a healthcare provider at 12 weeks.

Results: Of 4700 members who were sent e-mail study announcements, 168 (97% were female, age 39.5 years [standard deviation 11.7], body mass index 30.3 [standard deviation 7.8]) were randomized to intervention (n=84) or control (n=84). Of 82 intervention subjects who completed the risk assessment, 50 (61%) were low risk and 32 (39%) were high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Intervention subjects were more likely than control subjects to discuss obstructive sleep apnea with their healthcare provider within 12 weeks (11% [9/84] vs 2% [2/84]; P=.02; relative risk=4.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-20.21). The number needed to treat was 12. High-risk intervention subjects were more likely than control subjects to discuss obstructive sleep apnea with their healthcare provider (19% [6/32] vs 2% [2/84]; P=.004; relative risk=7.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-37.02). One high-risk intervention subject started treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

Conclusion: An online screening intervention is feasible and likely effective in encouraging members of an Internet weight-loss community to discuss obstructive sleep apnea with their healthcare provider.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest associated with the work presented in this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study flowchart. BQ = Berlin Questionnaire.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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