Prevalence of Daytime Sleepiness and High-risk Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia: A Regional Perspective

Abstract Context: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to adverse health outcomes such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to preventing severe complications. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of OSA, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and associated risk factors in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, using the STOP-Bang, Berlin, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires. Settings and Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: A total of 430 adults from the Al-Baha region participated in this study via an online self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected from June 1, 2022, to June 1, 2023. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and Chi-square tests were employed. Results: The STOP-Bang questionnaire identified 86.5% of participants as low risk, 8.1% as intermediate risk, and 5.3% as high risk for OSA. The Berlin questionnaire classified 87.7% as low risk and 12.3% as high risk for OSA. The ESS revealed that 80.0% of participants had normal daytime sleepiness, while 12.3%, 6.3%, and 1.4% exhibited mild, moderate, and severe EDS, respectively. Male gender, the presence of concurrent medical conditions, smoking, and medication use were significantly associated with increased OSA risk and/or EDS ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights a moderate prevalence of OSA and EDS among adults in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. Key demographic and health-related factors, such as male gender, comorbidities, and smoking, were significantly associated with OSA risk and EDS, underscoring the need for targeted screening and intervention programs. Further research with larger samples and comprehensive tools is recommended to validate and expand upon these findings.