Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Among Commercial Bus Drivers in First District of Laguna

Brendon Scott  Bautista,; Claudette Faye  Cartabio,; Catherine  Perez,

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Among Commercial Bus Drivers in First District of Laguna

Brendon Scott Bautista | Claudette Faye Cartabio | Catherine Perez

Abstract:

Research supports that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant cause of road traffic accidentsresulting in two to sevenfold increased risk. This lack of screening for OSA and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as part of the licensing requirements for commercial bus drivers in the Philippines prompted the researchers to determine the prevalence of OSA and EDS among this specific population. Cross-sectional study of 30 commercial bus drivers was performed. The driver’s demographic and clinical profile, sleeping habits, occupational characteristics and data needed for STOP BANG, Berlin and Adjusted Neck Circumference (ANC) Scoring questionnaires to evaluate the driver’s risk of having OSA and data for Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess the driver’s probability of EDS were gathered and analyzed. Statistical analyses were made through the latest version ofMinitab® Statistical Software. The profile of Filipino bus drivers was that of middle-aged male (mean age of 43.3. years), who was able to reach secondary level of education (63.3%), with propensity to be overweight (BMI=24.96 kg/m2). Respondents were likely non- smokers (73.3%), moderate to heavy alcohol drinkers (83.3%), and moderate to heavy caffeine drinkers (93.3%). The most common co-morbidity seen in the sampled population was hypertension. A small number of respondents admitted to a history of illicit drug use (13.3%). Respondents compensated their multiple awakening during sleep (80%) with frequent daily naps. Respondents have been engaged in this occupation for 12.6 years, have driven almost daily, with each trip lasting 13.3 hours and covering 303.80 +/- 55.12 kilometers daily. Most of the respondents have been involved in traffic accidents (43%), almost one-third of which is sleeping- related (13.3%). The prevalence of OSA symptoms (55.75%) and EDS (53%) were higher than the general population. Increasing the number of days of the driver on the roads increased his propensity to encounter sleep-related accidents.

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