Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome among drivers of two intercity transport companies in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is responsible for sleep fragmentation leading to excessive daytime sleepiness leading to many accidents. This work aims to detect OSA among professional drivers in Burkina Faso.
Methods: This cross-sectional study ran from November 23, 2016, to April 22, 2017, and involved drivers from two of the largest intercity transit companies in Burkina Faso. The STOP BANG questionnaire (QSB) was used to assess the risk of OSA occurrence. A respiratory polygraphy record has been proposed for drivers with moderate to high risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Results: Of 336 drivers, 192 participated in the study (57.14%). They were all men with an average age of 40.2 ± 9.7 years. The evocative signs of OSA were dominated by snoring (37.5%). Sixty-nine respondents (35.93%) had at least one traffic accident. In QSB, respectively 19% and 2% of drivers had a medium and high risk of OSA. Thirty percent of drivers with moderate to high risk of OSA performed respiratory polygraphy and OSAS was confirmed in 83.3% of them.
Conclusion : A significant number of drivers had symptoms suggestive of OSA. Early diagnosis is necessary to obtain or maintain a driving license.