STOPBANG versus NOSAS in screening patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep. It can lead to significant health risks, and early detection is essential for effective management. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of STOP-BANG and NoSAS questionnaires in identifying severe OSA. METHOD: Patients with confirmed sleep disorders by ventilator polygraphy were enrolled in this cross-sectional study conducted over 18 months in the Pneumonology department of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis. All participants completed STOP-BANG and NoSAS questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients diagnosed with OSA were enrolled, with a mean age of 54.4 years. OSA severity was classified as mild in 63 patients (36.6%), moderate in 45 patients (26.2%), and severe (apnea-hypopnea index ≥30/h) in 64 patients (37.2%). Severe OSA was significantly associated with male (p=0.04), older age (p=0.019), higher BMI (p