OSA Patients' and Bed-Partners' Illness Perceptions in CPAP Therapy Adaptation Process

Overview

This study explores how psychological and relationship factors influence the success of CPAP therapy in people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and their partners. CPAP therapy is a common treatment for OSA, yet many patients struggle to keep using it consistently. Our research aims to identify what helps or hinders patients and their partners in adhering to CPAP therapy, including their illness perceptions, how they cope with treatment and how their relationship dynamics affect their experience. By understanding these factors, we hope to provide valuable insights to better support both patients and their bed partners, leading to improved treatment adherence and quality of life for couples managing OSA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition that disrupts sleep due to repeated interruptions in breathing, which can lead to daytime fatigue, mood issues, and health risks like heart disease. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the primary treatment, helping keep airways open during sleep and improving overall health. However, despite its benefits, many people find CPAP difficult to use consistently. Patients may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about wearing the device, particularly around their partners, which can impact their relationships and adherence to treatment. This study takes a unique approach by examining how OSA and CPAP therapy impact not only patients but also their "bed partners"-typically a spouse or close companion who shares their sleeping environment. Bed partners often play a supportive role, helping the patient manage OSA and adjust to CPAP therapy. Yet, little research has focused on how the partner's involvement, perceptions, and reactions influence the patient's experience and adherence to treatment. Using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology with a Multi-Perspective approach, this study enables a dual view on the experiences of both patients and bed partners, offering an in-depth look at their shared journey with CPAP. Participants are recruited from the Sleep Medicine Clinic at Don Gnocchi in Milan and divided into three subgroups based on their stage in the CPAP adaptation process: T0, pre-adaptation; T1, within the first year of adaptation; and T2, following the first year of adaptation. This division allows for a nuanced understanding of how attitudes and experiences with CPAP may evolve over time. Our study examines the psychological and relational aspects that affect CPAP adherence, seeking to uncover both the challenges and supports involved. Using the Common Sense Model of Illness Representation as a theoretical framework, we explore how the patient's and partner's understanding of OSA and CPAP can shape their responses and behavior. This model suggests that how people perceive an illness can strongly affect their actions, including their coping strategies. By studying both the patient's and partner's views, we aim to identify areas of potential miscommunication or stress that may hinder adherence and to find ways for healthcare providers to offer targeted support. By focusing on the relationship between patients and bed partners, this study seeks to enhance our understanding of the social and emotional dynamics around CPAP therapy, which could lead to improved patient adherence and well-being.