ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There is limited data on long term Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) adherence in Southeast Asian countries. This is a prospective study on CPAP adherence among Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients in a Southeast Asian privately funded healthcare system. METHODS: Patients with moderate-severe OSA who had been initiated on CPAP at least one year previously were contacted for a scripted telephone interview to assess compliance and factors associated with CPAP adherence. RESULTS: Of 135 consecutive patients diagnosed to have moderate to severe OSA, 78 (57.8%) were initiated on CPAP treatment while 57 (42.2%) rejected CPAP upfront. 41 (52.6%) who initiated CPAP remained adherent at one year. OSA severity (AHI, ODI) and symptomatic improvement after CPAP were associated with better adherence. Presence of machine related side effects was associated with lower adherence. Inconvenience, cost and poor disease perception were reported as major barriers to uptake of CPAP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this Southeast Asian privately funded healthcare system, almost half of all patients with significant OSA rejected CPAP treatment upfront, but adherence among those who started CPAP is comparable to other reports. Challenges with CPAP acceptance as well as CPAP adherence need to be addressed to improve outcomes.