6-Month CPAP-Treatment in a Young Male Patient with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome — A Case Study from the Couple's Perspective

Sleep Architecture and Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Obstructive sleep apnea is considered a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine sleep architecture and assess daytime sleepiness in patients with erectile dysfunction. The study group included 280 patients. The 107 enrolled patients had reported erectile dysfunction. The control group consisted of 173 patients who had no history of erectile dysfunction. The Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) was used to measure the subjects' level of daytime sleepiness. All patients underwent a standardized overnight, single-night polysomnography in sleep laboratory. In the erectile dysfunction group, we observed increased ESS total score and N1 sleep phase duration. Mean and minimal oxygen saturation and mean oxygen desaturation were decreased in comparison to the control group. In summary, subjects with erectile dysfunction have altered sleep architecture, oxygen saturation parameters and increased daytime sleepiness.

Improving Diabetes Self-management by Providing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment to Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Exploratory Interview Study

Background

There is a high prevalence of unexplained and unexplored obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients with type 2 diabetes. The daytime symptoms of OSA include severe fatigue, cognitive problems, a decreased quality of life, and the reduced motivation to perform self-care. These symptoms impair the management of both diabetes and daily life. OSA may therefore have negative implications for diabetes self-management. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is used to treat OSA. This treatment improves sleep quality, insulin resistance, and glycemic control. Although the benefits of using CPAP as a treatment for OSA are clear, the noncompliance rate is high, and the evidence for the perceived effect that CPAP treatment has on patients with type 2 diabetes and OSA is poor.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impacts that comorbid diabetes and OSA have on the daily lives of older adults and to investigate the perceived effect that CPAP treatment for OSA has on patients’ diabetes self-management.

Methods

A qualitative follow-up study that involved in-depth, semistructured dyad interviews with couples before and after CPAP treatment (N=22) was conducted. Patients were recruited from the Hilleroed Hospital in Denmark and were all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, aged >18 years, and had an apnea-hypopnea index of ≥15. All interviews were coded and analyzed via thematic analysis.

Results

The results showed that patients and their partners did not consider OSA to be a serious disorder, as they believed that OSA symptoms were similar to those of the process of aging. Patients experienced poor nocturnal sleep, took frequent daytime naps, exhibited reduced cognitive function, and had low levels of physical activity and a high-calorie diet. These factors negatively influenced their diabetes self-management. Despite the immediate benefit of CPAP treatment, most patients (11/12, 92%) faced technical challenges when using the CPAP device. Only the patients with severe OSA symptoms that affected their daily lives overcame the challenges of using the CPAP device and thereby improved their diabetes self-management. Patients with less severe symptoms rated CPAP-related challenges as more burdensome than their symptoms.

Conclusions

If used correctly, CPAP has the potential to significantly improve OSA, resulting in better sleep quality; improved physical activity; improved diet; and, in the end, better diabetes self-management. However, there are many barriers to undergoing CPAP treatment, and only few patients manage to overcome these barriers and comply with correct treatment.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Motivation to Use CPAP Scale (MUC-S) using factorial structure and Rasch analysis among patients with obstructive sleep apnea before CPAP treatment is initiated

BACKGROUND

Continuous positive airway treatment (CPAP) is first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but adherence tends to be low. A clinical tool focusing on motivation to use CPAP is missing. The purpose was to develop a brief questionnaire to assess motivation to use CPAP that is psychometrically robust and suitable for use in clinical practice.

METHODS

A convenience sample including 193 treatment naive patients with OSA (67% men; mean age = 59.7 years, SD 11.5) from two CPAP clinics was used. Clinical assessments and full night polygraphy were performed. Questionnaires administered before CPAP treatment included the newly developed Motivation to Use CPAP Scale (MUC-S), Minimal Insomnia Symptoms Scale (MISS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Attitude towards CPAP treatment Inventory (ACTI). The validity and reliability of the MUC-S were investigated using Rasch and exploratory factor analysis models. Measurement invariance, dimensionality and differential item functioning (i.e., across gender groups, excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS), insomnia (MISS) and attitude towards CPAP (ACTI) groups) were assessed.

RESULTS

The results supported a two-factor solution (autonomous motivation, 6 items, factor loadings between 0.61 and 0.85 and controlled motivation, 3 items, factor loadings between 0.79 and 0.88) explaining 60% of the total variance. The internal consistency was good with Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 and 0.86 for the two factors. No differential item functioning was found. A latent class analysis yielded three profiles of patients with high (n = 111), moderate (n = 60) and low (n = 22) motivation. Patients with high motivation were older, had higher daytime sleepiness scores, more insomnia symptoms and a more positive attitude towards CPAP.

CONCLUSIONS

The MUC-S seems to be a valid tool with robust psychometric properties suitable for use at CPAP clinics. Future studies should focus on how motivation changes over time and if MUC-S can predict objective long-term CPAP adherence.

Experiences of Using Positive Airway Pressure for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Sub-optimal use of positive airway pressure (PAP) to treat obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) continues to be a major challenge to effective treatment. Meanwhile, the individual and societal impacts of untreated OSA make effective treatment a priority. Although extensive research has been conducted into factors that impact PAP use, it is estimated that at least half of users do not use it as prescribed. However, the voice of users is notably minimal in the literature. A systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis of PAP user experience was conducted to contribute to understandings of how PAP is experienced and to inform how usage could be improved.

METHODS

PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE databases were systematically searched. Primary research findings of adult experiences using PAP that had been inductively analysed were included. Papers were critically appraised using the CASP qualitative checklist to generate a "hierarchy of evidence". Thematic synthesis was then conducted to generate analytical themes. Results were presented in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).

RESULTS

25 papers reporting on over 398 people's experiences were analysed to generate 4 themes: Journey to PAP, Discomfort from and around PAP, Adapting to and using PAP, and Benefits from PAP. Author reflexivity and vulnerability to bias is acknowledged.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the applicability of a biopsychosocial understanding to PAP use. This metasynthesis gave voice to user experiences, revealing barriers to PAP use at a healthcare service level across the world, and suggests ways services can address these barriers.

Summary and Update on Behavioral Interventions for Improving Adherence with Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Adults

Continuous positive airway pressure (PAP) is still the most efficacious treatment for obstructive sleep apnea when used effectively. Since the availability of PAP 39 years ago there have been considerable technological advances, such as quieter, lighter and smaller machines with better humidification. However, adherence to treatment is still a major problem. This article reviews studies published on behavioral interventions aimed at improving the uptake and maintenance of PAP treatment (January 2016-February 2020). It discusses underlying factors in the poor uptake and discontinuation of treatment and the role of qualitative research to better understand the perspective of the patients.

Determinants of sexual dysfunction and interventions for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review

AIMS

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may negatively affect a couple's sexual relationship. This systematic review evaluated what characteristics are determinants of sexual function and dysfunction in women and men with OSA, and what interventions are shown to be effective.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and TRIP, and articles published between January 2004 and December 2014 in English; original research; adults ≥ 18 years; and both experimental and non-experimental designs. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to assess study quality. Of 21 studies, six studies (no randomised control trials, RCTs) included women and 15 (with six RCTs) studies included men. Extracted data were scrutinised and adjusted until consensus was reached; suitable quantitative data were pooled in statistical meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Sexual function was affected similarly in both genders, but effective interventions were reported only for men. In some studies, OSA severity and medications contributed to greater sexual dysfunction. In women, menopausal status, hormone levels and SaO2 < 90% were determinants of sexual dysfunction, while for men factors included BMI, hormonal status and inflammatory markers. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) not only improved clinical measures such as excessive daytime sleepiness but also the erectile and orgasmic function. Nevertheless, sildenafil was superior CPAP with regard to erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings illustrate important contributors to sexual dysfunction; however, firm generalisations cannot be made. There were limited RCTs and none for women, indicating further RCTs are needed to determine how OSA affects sexual function.

What is known about the experiences of using CPAP for OSA from the users' perspective? A systematic integrative literature review

Economic, social and personal costs of untreated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are high. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is recommended and cost effective. Increasing OSA prevalence may accompany predicted globally increasing obesity.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesise international evidence regarding personal experiences using CPAP for OSA.

METHODS

A systematic integrative literature review was conducted and quality assessment criteria applied.

RESULTS

22, of 538, identified papers met inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified three themes: 1) users' beliefs about CPAP influence users' experiences of CPAP; 2) CPAP users are primed to reflect negatively on experiences of CPAP; and 3) spouse and family influence users' experiences of CPAP. Personality and attitude impact expectations about CPAP prior to use, whilst engagement of spouse and family also influence experiences. Analysis highlighted that users' reporting of CPAP experiences is constrained by investigator defined assessment methods. Overall, research relating to experiences using CPAP is limited.

CONCLUSION

Users' perspectives of CPAP are constrained by researchers' concern with non-compliance. Typically experiences are not defined by the user, but from an 'expert' healthcare perspective, using words which frame CPAP as problematic. Family and social support is a significant, but neglected area of experiencing CPAP warranting further investigation. More information from users is required to determine how CPAP can be managed successfully.

The attitudes to CPAP treatment inventory: development and initial validation of a new tool for measuring attitudes to CPAP treatment

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), but low adherence rates are common. The aim was to develop the attitudes to CPAP treatment inventory (ACTI), and to investigate the validity and reliability of the instrument among patients with OSAS. ACTI was developed on the basis of: (i) in-depth interviews with 23 patients; (ii) examination of the scientific literature; and (iii) consensus agreement of a multi-professional expert panel. This yielded five different types of attitudes to CPAP treatment. A prospective longitudinal design was used. Two-hundred and eighty-nine patients with OSAS were recruited at three different CPAP centres. Data were collected with ACTI and obtained from medical records. The homogeneity and internal consistency reliability were satisfactorily reflected by the item-total correlations (0.59-0.81) and Cronbach's alpha (0.89), respectively. Construct validity was confirmed with factor analysis (principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation; PCF). The PCF based on baseline data resulted in a one single-factor solution explaining 69% of the total variance. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed 2 weeks after CPAP initiation, resulting in the same factor solution. No indication of uniform differential item functioning was found. The predictive validity was tested with receiver operating characteristic analyses, and a cut-off of 10 on the ACTI gave a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 44% for CPAP termination within 6 months. The satisfactory measurement properties of this new pragmatic instrument are promising and indicate that ACTI can be useful in clinical practice to reliably measure attitudes to CPAP treatment.

Putative facilitators and barriers for adherence to CPAP treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a qualitative content analysis

INTRODUCTION

Effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can reduce morbidity and mortality, but adherence rates are low without a clear consensus of causes.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experiences of adherence to CPAP treatment in patients with OSAS.

METHODS

A qualitative content analysis was employed. Data were collected by in-depth interviews with 23 purposively selected patients.

RESULTS

Adherence to CPAP treatment was summarized according to "facilitators" and "barriers" to CPAP treatment. Facilitators for adherence, as described by the patients were a desire to avoid symptoms, knowledge about the risk for medical consequences, fear of negative social consequences and disturbing the sleep of significant others. Other facilitators were a positive attitude to CPAP treatment, trust in healthcare personnel, a sense of engagement from the spouse and a feeling of physical improvement. Barriers included experiencing practical problems, negative psychological effects of the equipment, and negative attitudes to the treatment. Other barriers were side-effects as well as insufficient support from healthcare personnel and the spouse.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to CPAP treatment is a multifaceted problem including patient, treatment, condition, social and healthcare related factors. Knowledge about facilitators and barriers for adherence to CPAP treatment can be used in interventional strategies.