Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and its Association with Perceived Quality of Life among Hospital Workers in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent yet underdiagnosed sleep breathing disorder associated with fatigue, poor quality of life and cardiometabolic complications. Despite growing awareness, data on the risk of OSA, health workers notwithstanding, remains sparse even in light of the knowledge of its health significance. This study aimed to assess the risk of OSA and its relationship with perceived health-related quality of life among hospital workers in Benin City, Nigeria, while also exploring potential sociodemographic and environmental influences.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 93 non-clinical staff at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Participants were recruited through direct engagement and screened using a structured questionnaire incorporating the STOP BANG and WHOQOL BREF instruments. Data on stove type, cooking location and fuel source were collected to assess indoor exposure risks. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and t-tests were used to analyze associations between OSA risk, sociodemographic variables and perceived quality of life.

Results: Most participants were at low risk for OSA (87.1%), while 5.4% and 7.5% were at intermediate and high risk respectively. All high-risk individuals were male and had significantly higher mean age (43.6 ± 10.0 years vs. 31.8 ± 7.4 years; p < 0.001). A significant inverse relationship was found between education level and OSA risk (Chi-square for trend = 6.831; p = 0.009). Classic symptoms such as loud snoring (85.7%) and daytime fatigue (100%) were prevalent in the high-risk group. BMI was higher among high-risk individuals but not statistically significant. Most respondents rated their quality of life as good or very good (88.2%), although symptom burden among those at high OSA risk suggests possible impaired well-being. Nearly 41 percent of participants used open fire stoves without chimneys, indicating possible exposure to indoor air pollution.

Conclusion: A measurable proportion of hospital workers in this study were at increased risk of OSA, especially among older males and those with lower educational attainment. Despite overall positive self-reported quality of life, high-risk individuals exhibited a cluster of classic OSA symptoms that may compromise daily functioning and productivity. Routine workplace screening using validated tools like STOP-BANG, coupled with awareness campaigns and clean cooking interventions, is recommended to reduce the burden of undiagnosed OSA among workers in healthcare settings.