Epidemiology

Global prevalence data for 16 countries from 17 studies (based on an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of ≥5 episodes/hour) indicate that approximately 936 million adults (ages 30-69 years) have mild to severe OSA, and 425 million (based on an AHI of ≥15 episodes/hour) have moderate to severe OSA.[2] The highest prevalence was in China, followed by the USA, Brazil, and India.[2]

The prevalence of OSA is informed by the definition of hypopnea. Using a 4% decline in blood oxygen saturation to define hypopnea, the estimated prevalence of at least mild OSA (Apnea-Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥5 episodes/hour) in the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study (2007-2010) for men and women (ages 30-70 years) was 34% and 17%, respectively.[3][4]​ Moderate (AHI 5 to 14.9 episodes/hour) or severe (AHI 15 to 29.9 episodes hour) OSA was reported in 13% of men and 6% of women.[4]

African-Americans have been reported to be at higher risk for OSA than white people.[5][6][7]​​​​​​​ Data indicate an elevated prevalence of OSA among US Hispanic people compared with US white people.[8] OSA prevalence in Asia appears to vary considerably. One systematic review concluded that published studies appear to have included people with high pretest probability of OSA, thereby overestimating disease burden in Asian populations.[9] Genetic and anatomic risk factors, and racial disparities, may influence reported OSA burden.[8][10][11]​​[12]​​​

Prevalence of OSA increases with age.[13] In the the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, at least mild OSA (AHI ≥5 episodes/hour) was reported in 27% of men and 9% of women ages 30-49 years, increasing to 43% and 28%, respectively, in individuals ages 50-70 years.[4]

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