Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Saudi Pilots

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), using home sleep testing in pilots and first officers in Saudi-based airlines. This will allow for proper diagnosis and management of OSA in that group which can help in minimizing any possible aviation accidents related to sleep disturbances secondary to OSA. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted through Saudi-based aviation among pilots and first officers who were in service, active, and flying short- to medium-haul flights. Forty-one participants met the inclusion criteria. However, 39 out of 41 completed the study questionnaires (Berlin questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Fatigue severity scale (FSS), Visual analog fatigue scale (VAFS), and Patient health questionnaire (PHQ9), along with home sleep testing. Results Sixty-nine percent of the study population had OSA by home sleep testing. Majority of which had mild OSA (64%) and 5% had moderate and severe OSA (2.5% each). Results of different questionnaires showed one-third of the participants had insomnia, 33.3% of the participants had severe fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness was found in 23.1% of the participants, and 10.3% had moderate depression, while 25.6% were classified as having mild depression symptoms. Conclusion Sleep apnea is prevalent among the studied Saudi-based airline pilots and first officers. Screening for workers of this high-risk occupation needs to be considered. Fatigue, depression, and insomnia can be secondary consequences of sleep apnea and should be assessed and treated early.

Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms Among the Adult Population in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

“…Mild excessive daytime sleepiness was detected among 12.5% of our population, 8.3% was moderate, and the rest (6.1%) was severe. Like the study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, excessive daytime sleepiness was reported by 23.1% of the Saudi pilots [12]. The author explained that Saudi airline pilots and first officers are prone to this kind of disorder due to the airline crews are required to cope with very early and very late flights, traversing different time zones, and sleep deprivation leading to fatigue and increasing physical and mental health disorders.…”

“…Consistent with our findings, in a study conducted in Riyadh [ 11 ] using the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), the prevalence of OSA symptoms was 21.7%, wherein the prevalence was higher in males (78.3%) than in females (21%). However, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a similar questionnaire, [ 12 ] the author discovers that Saudi pilots had a greater prevalence of OSA, with prevalence rates of 69% according to home sleep testing, majority of which had mild OSA (64%), and 5% had moderate and severe OSA (2.5% each).…”

Prevalence, Knowledge and Awareness of Obstructive sleep apnea among Egyptians attending outpatient clinics.

“…Different studies highlighted the effect of weight reduction on OSA; 10% reduction in body weight can decrease AHI by 26% 22 . Other studies estimated a reduction in AHI by 47% and 61% could be achieved by 9% and 17% body weight reduction 41,42 Secondly, OSA is prevalent among drivers and pilots and its effects may extend beyond medical comorbidities to increase the risk of car tra c accidents 43,44 . Hence, we recommend OSA screening for vital and related jobs such as drivers and pilots Furthermore, this study underlines the need for raising awareness of OSA among the public and, in advance, the medical personnel.…”

Knowledge and awareness of obstructive sleep apnea among patients’ families in Saudi Arabia

“…8 However, only a few Middle Eastern research have calculated the prevalence of sleep apnea. 9,10,11 Prevalence of OSA symptoms among the adult population in Saudi Arabia, the median age of the respondents was 30 years with 26.9% of people having OSA symptoms. Mild, moderate, and severe excessive daytime sleepiness were detected in 12.5%, 8.3%, and 6.1%, respectively, according to the severity of OSA symptoms.…”