Psychological Aspects in OSA

Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus246 enrolled

Overview

The research project consists of an observational study. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to decreased blood oxygen levels and disruptions of normal sleep patterns. Estimates of its prevalence vary, but its impact on patients' quality of life is evident. Through a qualitative analysis (semi-structured interviews for both patients and bed partners) and a quantitative analysis (APIM Model), this research aims to explore the perception and awareness of the disease and its impact on the individual and couple's lives of patients with OSA and their bed partners, to assess patients' perceptions of the disease, illness management (CPAP experience) and symptoms, as well as their bed partners' perceptions. Moreover, psychological aspects of living with OSA, such as perceived stress, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, daily sleepiness will be studied to observe the association with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) adherence.

Firstly, a series of semi-structured interviews will be conducted with patients with OSA, at different levels of CPAP adaptation as well as with bed partners of patients who are experiencieng CPAP treatment with OSA. After that, a quantitative analysis will be conducted to explore dyadic dynamics between patients with OSA and their bed partners.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

246

Conditions

Osa Syndrome

Interventions

CPAP is the gold standard therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It consists of a machine that delivers a constant and steady air pressure through a mask worn over the nose or both nose and mouth during sleep. This continuous flow of air helps to keep the airway open, preventing episodes of airway collapse and obstruction characteristic of OSA. CPAP therapy is highly effective in reducing symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue, as well as improving overall sleep quality and decreasing the risk of complications associated with untreated OSA, such as cardiovascular issues. It is considered the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe OSA and is often prescribed after a sleep study confirms the diagnosis. CPAP machines come in various designs and features to suit individual needs and preferences, and proper adjustment and compliance are essential for optimal treatment outcomes.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult outpatient patients * over 18 years of age * Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome * Absence of cognitive impairments * Having a bedpartner Exclusion Criteria: * Oncological comorbidities * Dementia, as reported in the medical record * Ongoing treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, hypogonadism, or severe lung diseases * Exacerbations requiring hospitalization or the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics in the last two months * Lack of consent * Lack of a bedpartner

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ)

It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of nine items rated on a scale of 0-10. The first five items assess cognitive perceptions such as the impact on life (item 1); duration of illness (item 2); disease control (item 3); beliefs about treatment effectiveness (item 4); and symptom experience (item 5). Items 6 and 8 assess emotional aspects, such as concern about the illness and mood. Item 7 assesses the level of understanding of the illness. The last item requires respondents to rank the three factors that caused the illness. Cut-offs for the total score are determined as follows: \<42 indicates a mild threat, 42-49 indicates a moderate threat, and ≥50 indicates a high threat.