0583 Apnea-Hypopnea Index at the US / Mexico Border: Sociodemographic and Health Correlates and Frequent Snoring as a Marker of Risk

Abstract Introduction Little is known about how sleep-disordered breathing is experienced in border communities. This study examines how Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in this community is related to demographic and health characteristics. Methods Data were collected from 992 working-age adults (age 25-60) living at the US-Mexico Border. AHI was determined from Embletta home sleep tests scored by certified polysomnographic technicians, using the 3% hypopnea criterion. To assess demographic correlates of AHI, we examined self-reported age, gender, education, length of time in the US, financial status, hypertension, diabetes, and both Anglo and Mexican acculturation, as well as objective Body Mass Index (BMI). All regression analyses included age, sex, and BMI as covariates. Frequent snoring was self-reported as being 3 nights/week or more. Interaction terms examined interactions between frequent snoring and each correlate, adjusted for all others. Results The mean AHI in the sample was 3.6 (SD=9.7, Range 0.0-89.2, IQR 1.4-7.3). Frequent snoring was reported in 22.3%. Higher AHI was associated with older age (B=0.15/yr), BMI (0.39/point), hypertension (B=2.63), and frequent snoring (B=4.33). Lower AHI was associated with being female (B=-4.09), family living in the US >20 years vs < 10 years (B=-2.37). Significant interactions with frequent snoring were seen for gender, BMI, education, immigration, Mexican acculturation, Anglo acculturation, and diabetes. Interactions demonstrate an increased influence of frequent snoring on AHI for higher BMI, higher education, <=10 years or 16-20 years in the US, lower levels of Mexican acculturation, lower levels of Anglo acculturation, and lack of diabetes. Conclusion AHI differs meaningfully across several background and health-related factors in this population. Frequent snoring was strongly associated with higher AHI, suggesting that this symptom may help identify adults at greater risk. The strength of this relationship varied across groups, indicating that the relevance of frequent snoring is not consistent. Future analyses will explore how these and other factors may influence future case-finding efforts. Support (if any) R01MD011600, R01MH135978