Health Inequalities in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children and Adults

Javier J M Howard; Robson Capasso; Stacey L Ishman

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.004

Health Inequalities in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children and Adults

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2024 Jun;57(3):353-362. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.004. Epub 2024 Mar 13.

Authors

Javier J M Howard¹, Robson Capasso¹, Stacey L Ishman²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
² Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA. Electronic address: staceyishman1@gmail.com.

PMID: 38485537
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2024.02.004

Abstract

Our understanding of the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States is confounded by significant inequalities in diagnosis and treatment based on gender, race and socioeconomic status. Health literacy and cultural norms contribute to these inequities. Large gaps in data exist, as certain populations like Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and sexual minorities have been sparsely studied, or not at all. Future research should aim to develop more inclusive diagnostic strategies to address OSA in diverse populations.

Keywords: Disparities; Ethnicity; Gender; Inequalities; Obstructive sleep apnea; Race; Socioeconomic.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Child
Female
Healthcare Disparities*
Humans
Male
Prevalence
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / diagnosis
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / epidemiology
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* / therapy
Socioeconomic Factors
United States