Manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño según el sexo en pacientes adultos con COVID prolongado en Magallanes y la Región Antártica Chilena: análisis basado en el cuestionario STOP-BANG.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic respiratory condition associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive consequences. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, several reports have documented an increase in sleep disturbances among individuals with Long COVID, including manifestations consistent with OSAS. This study aimed to analyze differences in the symptomatic expression of OSAS between male and female adults with a medical diagnosis of Long COVID using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive design was conducted with a sample of 104 patients treated at the Teaching and Research Healthcare Center of the University of Magallanes (CADI-UMAG). RESULTS: The findings revealed a higher frequency of respiratory symptoms in men and a less evident clinical presentation in women. CONCLUSION: These differences underscore the need for diagnostic strategies adapted to symptom profiles and highlight the usefulness of the STOP-BANG questionnaire for detecting OSAS risk in post-COVID-19 patients.