Food Perceptions of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Abstract

Background: Obese people have extrinsic narrowing of the area surrounding the collapsible region of the pharynx which may lead to a periodic collapse of the upper airway during sleep leading to obstruction of the airway (OSA). Objective: Initial assessment of current food perceptions, patient-perceived barriers to healthy eating. Methods: A survey, which contained free response questions, yes or no statements, 24-hour recall and Epworth Sleepiness Scale Questions was utilized. Results: Of the 64 surveys collected (56 males and 8 females), 43.24 % patients were overweight, 43.2% were obese grade-1, 9.9% obese grade-2 and 6.25% obese grade-3. Awareness of relation of obesity and CVD, diabetes & OSA was 62%, 36% & 3.9% respectively. Fresh juice was considered to be healthier over fresh fruits by 35.6% and 73% perceived refined/olive oil to have fewer calories than animal fat. While 62.5% considered high fiber cookies as being healthy, 49.8 % patients considered ‘sugar-free' sweets to be calorie free and hence indulged. Of the subjects, 46% did not consider homemade potato pyramids or funnel cake as junk just because they were Indian snacks and homemade. Consumption of frozen foods and eating out was thrice and twice a week respectively reportedly due to food preparation barrier at home or celebrating weekends' culture. Food addiction/ food palatability to various spices and sauces used in outside food was reported. Epworth sleep scale showed most poor results in morbidly obese patients followed by obese grade 2 and 1. Conclusion: Nutrition surveys to gauge awareness about healthy eating are a must since lack of knowledge lead to many sound eating barriers in OSA patients.

Keywords

• Perceptions
• Food
• Apnea
• Sleep