Association between clinical factors and risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome evaluated by the Berlin Questionnaire

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56102/afmo.2025.375

Keywords:

Berlin Questionnaire, Heart disease risk factors, Hypertension, Obstructive, Prevalence, Sleep apnea, Triage

Abstract

Objectives: to investigate the frequency of individuals at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) attending an ambulatory care of a teaching clinic in the metropolitan region of Recife/PE, and to verify the association of frequency of OSAS with clinical symptoms, such as snoring, sleepiness, fatigue, systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and body mass index (BMI). Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted using a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 361 individuals. Results: Most individuals were classified as high risk for OSAS, with a higher prevalence among women. Furthermore, significant associations were identified between OSAS risk and snoring, sleepiness, fatigue, SAH, and increased BMI, highlighting the impact of these factors in identifying at-risk individuals. Conclusion: The findings reinforced the importance of the Berlin Questionnaire to stratify individuals at high risk for OSAS, allowing for the prioritization of diagnostic tests and proper interventions, and potentially optimizing clinical management and reducing examination costs.

Author Biographies

Mário Cruz Couto, Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Fernando Augusto Pacífico , Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Professor at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Liliam de Souza Santos, Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Giovanna Sherly de Sá Guedes Marins, Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Michelle Alves de Farias, Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Dolly Brandão Lages, Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Eduardo Lins Paixão, Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda

Professor at the Faculdade de Medicina de Olinda. Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil.

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Published

2025-12-09

How to Cite

Couto, M. C., Pacífico , F. A., Santos, L. de S., Marins, G. S. de S. G., Farias, M. A. de, Lages, D. B., & Paixão, E. L. (2025). Association between clinical factors and risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome evaluated by the Berlin Questionnaire. Annals of Olinda Medical School, 1(13), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.56102/afmo.2025.375

Issue

Section

Original Articles