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Moghtaderi I, Kelly MR, Carlson GC, Fung CH, Josephson KR, Song Y, Swistun D, Zhu R, Mitchell M, Lee D, Badr MS, Washington DL, Yano EM, Alessi CA, Zeidler MR, Martin JL. Identifying gaps in clinical evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in women veterans. Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung. 2023 Oct 1; 27(5):1929-1933.
Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects. PURPOSE: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common sleep disorder in veterans; however, limited research exists in women veterans. We sought to estimate patterns of care in terms of evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment among women veterans with factors associated with elevated SDB risk. METHODS: Within one VA healthcare system, women identified through electronic health record data as having one or more factors (e.g., age > 50 years, hypertension) associated with SDB, completed telephone screening in preparation for an SDB treatment study and answered questions about prior care related to SDB diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Of 319 women, 111 (35%) reported having completed a diagnostic sleep study in the past, of whom 48 (43%) were diagnosed with SDB. Women who completed a diagnostic study were more likely to have hypertension or obesity. Those who were diagnosed with SDB based on the sleep study were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, or be = 50 years old. Of the 40 women who received treatment, 37 (93%) received positive airway pressure therapy. Only 9 (24%) had used positive airway pressure therapy in the prior week. Few women received other treatments such as oral appliances or surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the need for increased attention to identification and management of SDB in women veterans, especially those with conditions associated with elevated SDB risk.
