Association of Perceived Stress Scale with the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pakistani Population

Abstract

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to disruptions in breathing patterns and, consequently, reduced oxygen level. OSA has traditionally been viewed as a sleep-related physiological disorder, there is growing recognition that psychological factors, such as stress, may play a role in its onset and progression. Objective: To evaluate the association of Perceived Stress Scale with the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pakistani Population. Study Design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Settings: untreated OSA individuals at Pulmonary Vascular and Sleep Disorders division of Dow University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Duration: Study was done during a period of six months from May 2022 to October 2022. Methods: Patients OSA diagnosis through overnight Polysomnography with AHI of more than 5, and OSA participants above 18 years of age were included. A stress questionnaire was filled out when the individual came for overnight Polysomnography. The Sleep technologist measures the anthropometric measurements like height, and weight through height scales and weight machines, the neck circumference through the inch tape, BMI was computed through a formula which is weight in kg/height in meter², and stress was evaluated through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS statistics 26. Results: A total of 167 OSA patients participated in the study. There were 100 (60%) male and 67 (40%) female individuals. The mean age of females who perceived stress was 53.7 ± 10.5years which is higher from males 47.9 ± 13.1 years. Low stress was found in moderate and severe OSA as compare to mild OSA, similarly 49% moderate stress in Moderate OSA and 52% moderate stress in Severe OSA patients respectively. The percentage of high stress was significantly prominent in Mild OSA in comparison to Moderate and Severe OSA. The result of the study shows that the perceived stress scale is significantly correlated with Obstructive sleep apnea (p<0.001). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study reveal a direct significant correlation between OSA and the Perceived Stress Scale. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing investigation to delve into potential underlying mechanisms.