OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an important risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases including stroke and coronary heart disease. Positive air pressure (PAP) devices are part of the treatment for OSAS. We describe adherence to the use of PAP devices in a cohort of patients with OSAS in Colombia, and their hospitalization rates and cardiovascular comorbidities.

METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of all adult patients (18 years-of-age or older) treated between January 2018 and December 2019 in the sleep clinic of a large private insurer in Colombia. Adherence was defined as the use of the device for 4 hours or more, at least 70% of nights in the month prior to the last visit to the sleep clinic, and was provided directly by the software included in each device.

RESULTS: A total of 12,538 patients were included (51.3% women) with a mean age of 61.3 years; 10,220 patients (81.5%) used CPAP devices and 1,550 (12.4%) BIPAP. Only 4,602 (37.4%) classified as adherent, while 4,660 (37.8) did not use the device at all (0% adherence). Only one in six patients (17.5%) used the device in 90% or more in the previous month. Adherence rates were highest in the >65 years age groups, with no significant differences between males and females. 2,305 patients (18.5%) were hospitalized, on average 3.2 times; 515 of these (21.3%) had one or more cardiovascular comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS: Adherence rates in this sample are lower than those reported elsewhere. They are similar in males and females, and tend to improve with age. Interventions to improve adherence are essential in OSAS patients in Colombia.