Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Risk in Western Region of Gujarat – A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains underdiagnosed in India because polysomnography (PSG) is costly and not widely available. The STOP-Bang questionnaire offers a simple and reliable method to screen high-risk individuals in outpatient settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 adults attending a tertiary-care hospital in western Gujarat. All participants completed the STOP-Bang questionnaire. A score ≥5 was classified as high-risk for OSA. Data were analyzed using SPSS v24. Results: Out of 368 participants, 82 (22.8%) were in the high-risk group (STOP-Bang ≥5), while 277 (77.2%) were low-moderate risk. High-risk scores were significantly more common in males, participants aged >50 years, and those with higher body mass index (BMI). Conclusion: About one-fourth of adults screened in this OPD cohort were at high risk for OSA. STOP-Bang proved practical, low-cost, and suitable for early triage in regions where access to PSG is limited.