Factors associated with OSA in non-obese, young Middle Eastern adults: a retrospective case–control study
Abstract Background To investigate factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in young, non-obese (body mass index [BMI] < 30) Middle Eastern adults and to identify characteristics that correlate with OSA severity. Methods A retrospective case–control study was conducted on non-obese i...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Sleep Science and Practice |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41606-025-00133-y |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background To investigate factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in young, non-obese (body mass index [BMI] < 30) Middle Eastern adults and to identify characteristics that correlate with OSA severity. Methods A retrospective case–control study was conducted on non-obese individuals aged 18–55 who underwent sleep studies between 2021 and 2022. The case group included individuals with OSA (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 5 events/hour), while the control group had normal AHI (< 5 events/hour). Demographic information, clinical measurements, and comorbidities were analyzed. Results Of the 2,517 records reviewed, 555 patients met inclusion criteria, with 67% diagnosed with OSA. The OSA group had a significantly higher proportion of males compared to females (80.6% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.005), was older (40.7 vs. 35.3 years, p < 0.005), had higher BMI (26.7 vs. 25.3 kg/m2, p < 0.005), and larger neck circumference (38.3 vs. 35.7 cm, p < 0.005). Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and alcohol use were more prevalent in the OSA group. Multiple linear regression identified age, neck circumference, hypertension, and lowest peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) as significant predictors of OSA severity. Conclusions Males with a larger neck circumference are at higher risk of OSA in this cohort. Despite being non-obese, OSA patients had higher BMIs than controls. Hypertension and alcohol intake were also more common in OSA patients. Age, neck circumference, and hypertension were significant predictors of OSA severity in this young, non-obese Middle Eastern population. |
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| ISSN: | 2398-2683 |