Survey finds low awareness of OSA screening, testing
By HME News Staff
Updated Thu October 3, 2013
GLEN BURNIE, Md. - There's a clear lack of awareness among Americans about the latest screening and testing technologies for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a survey commissioned by NovaSom and the American Sleep Apnea Association. The survey, which polled 500 men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, found that 88% were unaware of either the Epworth or Stop-Bang questionnaires, and 82% were unaware of home sleep tests. Additionally, it found 40% who suspected themselves or a spouse/partner of having OSA took no action to get diagnosed or treated. The survey exposes “one of the likely reasons why 85% of the more than 43 million Americans with OSA remain undiagnosed,” according to a news release. While awareness of screening and testing techniques was low, the survey found that 78% have heard of OSA, 70% have friends or family with OSA, and 76% understood the risks associated with the condition.
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