Correlation Between Predictors of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Background: Obstructive sleep apnoea is becoming a respiratory disorder of public health concern. Different obesity indices such as Mallampati score, Body Mass Index, neck circumference have been identified in the literature as predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea. Studies on the relationship between these variables is however limited particularly in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between Mallampati score, Body Mass Index and neck circumference which are predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Methods: The study was done among commercial drivers. The risk of obstructive sleep apnoea was assessed with Berlin questionnaire. The participants were assessed for Mallampati score, Body Mass Index; their neck circumference was measured and the correlation between these variables was done. Data collated was analyzed with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 software.

Results: There were 105 drivers recruited into this study, they were all males with a mean age of 44.8±12.03 years and 50.5% of the drivers had high risk of sleep apnoea. There was a positive correlation between Mallampati score, Body Mass Index and neck circumference.

Conclusion: Mallampati score increase with increase in Body Mass Index and neck circumference which are all predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea.