The lived experience of positive airway pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea across the lifespan: a qualitative study

Stacey L. Simon, Judith J. Stephenson, Kevin Haynes, Elaine Rose Kennedy, Gilles Frydman, Adam Amdur, Sairam Parthasarathy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Study Objectives: Although treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is effective, adherence is often poor. Understanding the patient perspective is needed to inform adherence-promoting interventions. This qualitative study assessed the experiences, preferences, facilitators, and barriers surrounding PAP therapy for the management of OSA in patients from adolescence to older adulthood. Methods: Eligible participants ages 19 and older were identified from administrative health care claims; adolescent participants ages 12–18 and their parents/caregivers were identified via electronic health records of a tertiary sleep specialty clinic at a large children’s hospital. Forty English-speaking patients and 10 parents of adolescents diagnosed with OSA and prescribed PAP therapy completed semistructured 60-minute telephone interviews conducted by a trained facilitator. Common themes and illustrative quotes were identified. Results: Themes around OSA diagnosis, initiating OSA treatment, learning about OSA/PAP, decision to start PAP, PAP benefits and challenges, and reasons for nonadherence were identified. Participants suggested design and delivery changes to improve PAP devices. Issues unique to adolescents and their parents were discussed. Conclusions: The unique perspectives of patients regarding PAP therapy should be taken into consideration when developing interventions to increase PAP adherence and improve clinical care. Based on identified themes, opportunities for intervention may exist at all stages of care, from diagnosis to treatment initiation. Involving partners, parents, and other caregivers in PAP therapy may be beneficial for optimizing adherence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)407-416
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • adolescence
  • older adults
  • sleep-disordered breathing
  • treatment adherence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The lived experience of positive airway pressure therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea across the lifespan: a qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this