Citation

Nena E, Tsara V, Steiropoulos P, Constantinidis T, Katsarou Z, Christaki P, Bouros D. Chest 2008; 134(1): 79-86.

Affiliation

Sleep Unit G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece, (evangelianena@yahoo.gr); (bpneumonologiki@yahoo.gr)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, American College of Chest Physicians)

DOI

10.1378/chest.07-2849

PMID

18347205

Abstract

Background Sleep- disordered breathing and especially Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with daytime sleepiness and increased risk for motor vehicle crashes. Previous studies have assessed the prevalence of OSA among professional drivers, but no study so far has focused on railway drivers. Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing among Greek railway drivers, and correlate it with daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and symptoms. Methods Three different questionnaires were anonymously answered by 226 train drivers: a general questionnaire on their demographics and sleep habits, the Greek version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Out of them, 50 underwent a sleep study, a physical examination, and an assessment of their respiratory function. Results Participants were all men, aged 46.9+/-3.9 years, overweight (BMI 28.7+/-3.7 Kg/m(2)), smokers 59.7%. Snoring was reported by 69.9% of them, and apneas by 11.5%. ESS score was 5.4+/-3.2. SF-36 scores were similar to those of the Greek population. Mean AHI was 11+/-14/hour, and mean SpO(2) was 93.2+/-2.5%. According to AHI severity, they were divided into 3 groups: Group 1: normal breathing function in sleep (n=19; AHI<5/hour). Group 2: mild OSA (n=20; AHI 5.1-15/hour), group 3: moderate/severe OSA (n=11; AHI /> 15/hour). The 3 groups differed in BMI, neck, waist, and hip circumference. No difference was detected, though, in ESS and SF-36 scores. Conclusion The majority of the Greek railway drivers are overweight and smokers. The most common reported symptom in the questionnaires is snoring, without significant daytime impairment, while sleep studies show a potential higher prevalence of OSA.

Language: en