Comparison of the incidences of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in African-Americans versus Caucasian-Americans.

Objective: To determine the relative incidence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in African-Americans compared to a cohort of Caucasian-Americans.

Study Design And Setting: A prospective study of 2 groups of subjects (287 African-Americans and 236 Caucasian-Americans) to evaluate OSAHS severity based on subjective symptoms and anatomic findings. Subjects were from a public health and fitness fair attended by approximately 80,000 people where attendees were invited for an ENT screening.

Results: Using OSAHS scores based on subjective symptoms and anatomic findings, the African-American group had a significantly higher incidence of "probable" OSAHS. In addition to symptoms of OSAHS, the questionnaire ascertained that African-American bed partners are more likely to accept loud snoring as compared to Caucasian-American bed partners.

Conclusions: OSAHS may be more common in African-Americans, but African-American bed partners are more likely to accept snoring. The medical community should strive to increase awareness and education about OSAHS in the African-American community.

Ebm Rating: B-3b.