OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IS A COMMON MEDICAL CONDITION THAT AFFECTS THE POPULATION;THEREFORE, AN EXPLORATORY STUDY WAS CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THIS CONDITION IN A PERUVIAN WORKING POPULATION.

Cuadra R.G.; Armada J.; Mejia C.R. · Revista de la Asociacion Espanola de Especialistas en Medicina del Trabajo (2026)

Resumen

Objective: To determine the frequency and RISK factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea in Peruvian workers. Matherial and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a construction-sector workforce in Metropolitan Lima. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was used to identify the risk of developing the condition. This variable was then analyzed in relation to other social, anthropometric, and laboratory variables collected during annual occupational medical examinations, yielding both descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Of the 672 workers evaluated, 85 (21.8%) had a moderate/high probability of obstructive sleep apnea. In the multivariate model, increasing age was associated with a higher frequency of sleep apnea (PRa: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04–1.07; p<0.001). Similar associations were found among those who consumed alcohol (PRa: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.12–1.97; p=0.006), those who used medications (PRa: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.10–2.07; p=0.011), and those with a larger neck circumference (PRa: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.18–1.34; p<0.001). These associations were adjusted for nine variables. Discussion: One in five workers had a moderate/high probability of obstructive sleep apnea. Four key variables were identified as significantly associated with the condition: age, alcohol consumption, medication use, and neck circumference. These factors should be evaluated in larger working populations, along with additional variables. Further research is recommended.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Continental; Universidad de Huánuco