What Is Apnea?
4. Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
In today’s modern society, OSA is increasingly prevalent regardless of age. Various studies have estimated the prevalence of OSA to range from 2% to 9% for women and 4% to 24% for men. In children, the prevalence is less certain but the numbers are increasing due to higher rates of obesity.
Globally, the prevalence of OSA has only been studied in men and varies between regions. Aging is a major risk factor for OSA with prevalence increasing 2 to 3 times in individuals above the age of 65 years old. Males are also more likely to have OSA compared to females (at a ratio of 2 to 3:1). This has been attributed to the androgenic patterns of fat distribution in the trunk and neck area. African Americans are also predisposed to OSA compared to Caucasians. Asians also have a higher risk due to their craniofacial structure (more crowded upper airway, retrognathia, and shorter and more acute cranial base).
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