Obstructive sleep apnea, a disease that could affect 18.5% of Ecuadorian drivers, according to a study

18.5% of interprovincial and intercantonal transport bus drivers in Ecuador are likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disease characterized by the presence of snoring and respiratory pauses while sleeping and drowsiness during the day.

This was determined by a study that analyzed the risk of OSA with traffic accidents in bus drivers.

In the analysis, which was carried out by research doctor Iván Chérrez and a working group sponsored by the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES) and Respiralab, the risk of drivers who could suffer from the respiratory disorder was determined, the same as based on in previous international studies it represents an occupational health problem in the transport industry and contributes significantly to automobile accidents.

The research sought to determine the frequency of people with probable risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with a questionnaire called Stop-Bang, the possibility of suffering from excessive daytime hypersomnolence with the Epworth scale, as well as the association of these traffic conditions and accidents.

In Ecuador, six people died per day in vehicle accidents in 2021 and the regulations for the Traffic Law have not been issued

To do this, the researchers took into consideration a group of 340 interprovincial and intercantonal transport drivers in the country. After analysis, it was established that 18% (63) of them are likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

According to the researchers, these results suggest that a considerable proportion of Ecuadorian bus drivers are at high risk of OSA and further studies are suggested to determine if additional interventions could increase road safety when dealing with cases of this type of OSA. that have not been diagnosed or treated.

For Chérrez, the percentage of drivers at risk (18.5%) could be higher, since the answers could be biased by answers given by the same group studied.

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For example, he cites the case of the weak correlation found between those with a high risk of illness and traffic accidents suffered by drivers. However, in several international studies of the same relationship, it has been determined that those who suffer from the anomaly are six times more likely to suffer road accidents. “That is perfectly demonstrated,” says Chérrez.

In the future, Chérrez says that they hope to confirm the diagnosis of the drivers and for this he predicts the updating of data with a new study in which more drivers who offer interprovincial, intercantonal, urban and cargo transportation services participate, and at least those who are at high risk undergo a dream study in order to determine the prevalence of the disease, its severity and choose the treatment.

“And in this way comes the benefit for the person, because this disease increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cancer, and in addition to that it can have six times the risk of traffic accidents. He treats it and decreases that risk. Benefit for the patient and the community”, comments the doctor, adding that with proper treatment, the positive effect it has on accident rates in the country could be analyzed in several years.

This disease can be treated depending on the severity (mild, moderate or severe). Those at the higher level should use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

In Ecuador, according to statistics from the National Traffic Agency, in 2019 there were 24,595 road accidents, in 2020 there were 16,972 and last year 21,352.

In those same years there were 50,630 injuries and 5,902 deaths in road emergencies at a general level.

Research group members

Miguel Félix, María Belén Intriago Álvarez, Emanuel Vanegas, María José Farfán Bajaña, Zouina Sarfraz, Azza Sarfraz, Jack Michel and Iván Chérrez. (I)