28 February 2024 | Katarzyna Zasadzińska-Stempniak, Hanna Zajączkiewicz, Andrzej Kukwa
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among young adults aged 18-30 years. The study included 11 articles from various databases, with a total of 2151 participants from seven countries. The diagnostic thresholds, scoring criteria, and device types varied significantly across the studies. The pooled prevalence of OSA among young adults was found to be 16% (CI 95%, 8-29%, I² = 92%, τ² = 1.47). The prevalence was higher in Asia and Australia (23%) compared to other continents (Europe: 9%, North and South America: 13%). The review highlighted the need for early detection and intervention in young adults to prevent complications related to comorbidities. Factors such as hypopnea definition, AHI threshold, and device type influenced the prevalence estimates. The study also noted that most studies included healthy volunteers, suggesting an underestimation of the disease burden. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the socioeconomic impact of OSA, including cardiovascular risks, car accidents, and neurocognitive impairments.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among young adults aged 18-30 years. The study included 11 articles from various databases, with a total of 2151 participants from seven countries. The diagnostic thresholds, scoring criteria, and device types varied significantly across the studies. The pooled prevalence of OSA among young adults was found to be 16% (CI 95%, 8-29%, I² = 92%, τ² = 1.47). The prevalence was higher in Asia and Australia (23%) compared to other continents (Europe: 9%, North and South America: 13%). The review highlighted the need for early detection and intervention in young adults to prevent complications related to comorbidities. Factors such as hypopnea definition, AHI threshold, and device type influenced the prevalence estimates. The study also noted that most studies included healthy volunteers, suggesting an underestimation of the disease burden. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the socioeconomic impact of OSA, including cardiovascular risks, car accidents, and neurocognitive impairments.