The effects of social support and support types on continuous positive airway pressure use after 1month of therapy among adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

Background: The relationship between perceived social support and continuous positive airway pressure remains understudied among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to determine if baseline perceived social support and subtypes predict regular continuous positive airway pressure use after 1month of therapy.

Methods: Adults with obstructive sleep apnea initiating continuous positive airway pressure therapy were recruited from sleep clinics in New York City.

Discrimination Predicts Suboptimal Adherence to CPAP Treatment and Mediates Black-White Differences in Use.

Background: Although racial and ethnic differences in CPAP adherence for OSA are widely established, no studies have examined the influence of perceived racial discrimination on CPAP usage, to our knowledge.

Research Question: (1) Do Black adults with OSA report experiencing greater amounts of discrimination than non-Hispanic White adults? (2) Is discrimination associated with poorer CPAP adherence over time, independent of self-identified race? (3) Does discrimination mediate the relationship between self-identified Black race and CPAP usage?

Study Design And Methods: In this prospective study, Black and non-Hispanic White adults with OSA initiating CPAP were enrolled from two sleep centers and completed questionnaires including sociodemographics, perceived discrimination, daytime sleepiness, insomnia symptoms, and depressive symptoms. Perceived discrimination was measured using the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS).