P042 Continuous positive airway pressure: perspectives of Chinese patients in Australia

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent among people of Chinese ethnicity due to physiological vulnerabilities, however engagement with CPAP therapy is often suboptimal. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of Chinese OSA patients to better understand factors influencing treatment engagement. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a sample of Chinese Australian participants using CPAP for OSA. Participant interviews were guided by a schedule of questions exploring their illness and treatment experiences. The interviews were conducted in English or Mandarin depending on participant’s preference, recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework Approach. Results To date, twenty-six participants have completed interviews (mean age 55.1, SD 13.4, range 36-81 years, 54% male). The mean duration of CPAP use was 7.7 years (SD 6.6, range 1.5-30 years). Preliminary analyses unveiled four key themes: treatment beliefs; decision process; treatment acceptance, and long-term adherence. Stigma and misperceptions about CPAP were common. Therapy adoption was influenced by perceived severity and consequences of OSA, trust in healthcare provider recommendations and influences from support networks. Early experiences varied in ease and acclimatisation time. Sustained CPAP use was driven by perceived treatment benefits and fear of long-term consequences of untreated OSA. Barriers to adherence include inconvenience with travel and CPAP related issues such as side effects and difficulty finding the right mask. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of improving awareness and designing education for patients and family to address misperceptions about OSA and providing tailored support to improve treatment engagement for Chinese communities.