Hong Kong Med J 2007;13(Suppl 3):S36-9
Evaluation of subjective sleepiness and prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep-disordered breathing in a population of commercial drivers
DSC Hui
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
1. Sleepiness at work was reported by 61% of the bus drivers in this study, with estimated minimum prevalence rates of sleepdisordered breathing (SDB) and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) of 8% and 5%, respectively.
2. Body mass index, neck circumference, and snoring intensity are the positive independent predictors of respiratory disturbance index values, whereas neither selfreported nor subjective sleepiness identified SDB. Bus drivers who snore loudly during sleep (especially those overweight) are strongly advised to seek medical attention for investigation and treatment of OSAS.
3. Home continuous positive airway pressure acceptance is low, but there was significant improvement of subjective sleepiness and cognitive function among bus drivers who did take up such treatment.
4. To improve road safety, health education and promotion are urgently needed to increase awareness of OSAS among medical professionals, legislators, licensing authorities, drivers, and the public.
2. Body mass index, neck circumference, and snoring intensity are the positive independent predictors of respiratory disturbance index values, whereas neither selfreported nor subjective sleepiness identified SDB. Bus drivers who snore loudly during sleep (especially those overweight) are strongly advised to seek medical attention for investigation and treatment of OSAS.
3. Home continuous positive airway pressure acceptance is low, but there was significant improvement of subjective sleepiness and cognitive function among bus drivers who did take up such treatment.
4. To improve road safety, health education and promotion are urgently needed to increase awareness of OSAS among medical professionals, legislators, licensing authorities, drivers, and the public.