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. 2015 Mar-Apr;44(2):100-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2015.01.002.

Claustrophobic tendencies and continuous positive airway pressure therapy non-adherence in adults with obstructive sleep apnea

Janalyn Cantey Edmonds  1 , Hyunju Yang  2 , Tonya S King  3 , Douglas A Sawyer  2 , Albert Rizzo  4 , Amy M Sawyer  5
Affiliations

Claustrophobic tendencies and continuous positive airway pressure therapy non-adherence in adults with obstructive sleep apnea

Janalyn Cantey Edmonds et al. Heart Lung. 2015 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: (1) Determine claustrophobia frequency in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after first CPAP night; (2) determine if claustrophobia influences CPAP non-adherence.

Background: Claustrophobia is common among CPAP-treated OSA adults yet few studies have examined the problem.

Methods: Secondary analysis of prospective, longitudinal study of OSA adults (n = 97). CPAP-Adapted Fear and Avoidance Scale (CPAP-FAAS) collected immediately after CPAP titration polysomnogram.

Primary outcome: objective CPAP use at 1 week and 1 month.

Results: Sixty-three percent had claustrophobic tendencies. Females had higher CPAP-FAAS scores than males. FAAS ≥ 25, positive score for claustrophobic tendencies, was influential on CPAP non-adherence at 1 week (aOR = 5.53, 95% CI 1.04, 29.24, p = 0.04) and less CPAP use at 1month (aOR = 5.06, 95% CI 1.48, 17.37, p = 0.01) when adjusted for body mass index and CPAP mask style.

Conclusion: Claustrophobia is prevalent among CPAP-treated OSA adults and influences short-term and longer-term CPAP non-adherence. Interventions are needed to address this treatment-related barrier.

Keywords: Anxiety disorders; Claustrophobia; Continuous positive airway pressure; Obstructive sleep apnea; Phobic disorders; Treatment compliance.

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