Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an under diagnosed and common disorder that is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and neurocognitive impairment. Management of OSA includes treatment goals to promote optimal sleep and reduction of cardiovascular risk. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the mainstay of treatment for OSA. Adherence to CPAP therapy mirrors the rates of adherence seen in other chronic diseases, with up to 50% of OSA patients abandoning therapy within one year. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate if implementation of a comprehensive educational OSA program improves CPAP adherence in OSA patients. Theoretical frameworks utilized for this study includes Knowles Theory of Adult Learning and the Triandis Theory of Interpersonal Behavior. The Knowles Theory incorporates the adult principles of self-directed and relevant learning that can be incorporated into a CPAP curriculum. The Triandis Theory proposes that intentions are immediate antecedents of behavior and habit formation which is inherent in CPAP adherence. Studies have consistency emphasized the importance of education for OSA patients that require CPAP. Strategies to improve CPAP adherence include providing education and support during the first two weeks of therapy when the risk abandoning therapy is highest. Descriptions of educational content is lacking in the literature and without an established curriculum, it is difficult to measure if CPAP adherence is related to education. This pilot study methodology measured CPAP adherence utilizing technology mediated comprehensive OSA education for eight newly diagnosed OSA patients compared to eight OSA patients who receive OSA standard care. Knowledge was measured pre and post OSA education in the treatment group. Smart card technology was utilized to measure actual CPAP hours after one month of use. A paired 2 tailed t test demonstrated improvement in OSA knowledge between pre-test and post-test in treatment group which was significant with p