Sleep Apnea Among Gulf War Veterans: An Examination of VA Utilization Rates, Treatment Initiation, and Health Outcomes.
Behav Sleep Med
; 22(4): 446-456, 2024.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38156829
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among veterans is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. The present study sought to 1) characterize the prevalence and rate of treatment of OSA among VA users and non-users and 2) examine the associations between diagnosed or probable OSA and key physical and mental health outcomes.METHODS:
Gulf-War I-era Veterans were recruited as part of a national survey assessing mental and physical health concerns, healthcare needs, and healthcare utilization. OSA diagnoses were self-reported while sleep apnea risk was assessed via the STOP-Bang. Veterans also completed questionnaires assessing overall health, pain, depression, PTSD, and psychosocial functioning.RESULTS:
1,153 veterans were included in the present analyses (Mean age = 58.81; 21.84% female). Compared to non-VA healthcare users, veterans receiving care at the VA were more likely to have been diagnosed with OSA (p < .001) and report receiving treatment for OSA (p = .005). Compared to veterans at low risk for OSA, veterans at elevated risk reported higher levels of pain (p = .001), depression (p = .02), and poorer psychosocial functioning (p < .001).CONCLUSIONS:
OSA diagnoses appear to be more common among VA healthcare users. Findings suggest that OSA remains underdiagnosed and associated with important physical and mental health consequences. Additional screening for OSA, especially among non-VA clinics, is warranted.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Veteranos
/
Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono
/
Guerra do Golfo
Limite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Behav Sleep Med
/
Behavioral sleep medicine (Online)
Assunto da revista:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
/
NEUROLOGIA
/
PSICOFISIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos