The Effect of Occupational Therapy Intervention on Occupational Performance in the Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder characterised by recurrent breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to significant health issues and impaired occupational performance. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention program tailored for OSAS patients. Methods: A total of 23 participants (18 males and 5 females) diagnosed with OSAS were included in this prospective analytical study conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, and their baseline and post-intervention assessments were performed using the Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II). Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the significance of the results. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.96 years, with an average Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 39.87. Significant improvements were observed in occupational identity (pre-test: 25.08 ± 6.88; post-test: 30.78 ± 7.02), occupational competence (pre-test: 20.91 ± 6.37; post-test: 25.00 ± 6.65), and occupational setting (pre-test: 20.86 ± 6.00; post-test: 25.04 ± 6.58), with all p-values < 0.001, indicating high statistical significance. Conclusion: The occupational therapy intervention program significantly enhanced the occupational performance and overall well-being of patients with OSAS. This study highlights the importance of integrating occupational therapy into the management of OSAS, particularly for patients facing barriers to conventional treatments. Future research should further explore the long-term effects and broader applications of such interventions.