The importance of clinical monitoring for compliance with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Abstract Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is currently a public health problem of great importance. When misdiagnosed or improperly treated, it can lead to serious consequences on patients' quality of life. The gold standard treatment for cases of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, especially in mild to severe and symptomatic cases, is continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is directly dependent on the active participation of the patient, which can be influenced by several factors. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the factors related to compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy, and to analyze which associated factors directly influence the efficiency of the treatment. Methods: Patients who received continuous positive airway pressure therapy through the Municipal Health Department of the city of Ribeirão Preto were recruited. A structured questionnaire was administered to the patients. Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy was assessed by average hours of continuous positive airway pressure therapy usage per night. Patients with good compliance (patients using continuous positive airway pressure therapy ≥4 h/night) were compared to those with poor compliance (patients using <4 h/night). Results: 138 patients were analyzed: 77 (55.8%) were considered compliant while 61 (44.2%) were non-compliant. The comparison between the two groups showed that regular monitoring by a specialist considerably improved compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (odds ratio, OR = 2.62). Conclusion: Compliance with continuous positive airway pressure therapy is related to educational components, which can be enhanced with continuous and individualized care to patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

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Resumo Introdução: Síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) é, atualmente, um problema de saúde pública de suma importância. Quando mal diagnosticada ou tratada inadequadamente, pode levar a sérias consequências na qualidade de vida do paciente. O tratamento padrão-ouro para casos de SAOS, principalmente nos casos moderados a grave e sintomáticos, é o CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). A adesão ao CPAP depende diretamente da participação ativa do paciente, que pode ser influenciada por vários fatores. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever os fatores relacionados à adesão ao CPAP e analisar quais fatores associados influenciam diretamente na eficiência do tratamento. Método: Foram recrutados pacientes que receberam CPAP pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Ribeirão Preto. Um questionário estruturado foi aplicado ao paciente. A adesão ao CPAP foi avaliada pela média de horas de uso do CPAP por noite. Pacientes com boa adesão (pacientes em uso de CPAP ≥4 horas/noite) foram comparados aos com má adesão (pacientes em uso < 4 horas/noite). Resultados: No estudo, 138 pacientes foram analisados: 77 (55,8%) foram considerados aderentes e 61 (44,2%) foram não aderentes. A comparação entre os dois grupos demonstrou que o seguimento regular com especialista melhorou consideravelmente a adesão ao CPAP (odds ratio, OR = 2,62). Conclusão: A adesão ao CPAP está relacionada a componentes educacionais, que podem ser aprimorados com assistência contínua e individualizada ao paciente com SAOS.

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