Objectives To identify predictive factors for obstructive sleep apnea in university students.
Material and Methods Analytical, observational, cross-sectional study, conducted from August 2018 to February
2019. 144 students of both genders, informed of purposes and procedures, signed consent
forms to participate. Procedures included measuring body mass index, abdominal, and
neck circumference; inspecting tongue and oropharynx with Mallampati modified classification;
answering Berlin questionnaire.
Results 63.9% had normal body mass index; 19.4% were overweight. 59.7% had normal abdominal
circumference; 89.6%, normal neck circumference. 65.3% presented Mallampati class
I V. 74.3% indicated no obstructive sleep apnea; 25.7% were at high risk. High risk
for obstructive sleep apnea associated with body mass index (p<0.001), abdominal (p=0.006),
and neck circumference (p<0.001).
Discussion Anthropometries were mostly normal, despite the high prevalence of changed Mallampati
classification. Positively correlated predictive factors, also associated with high
risk for obstructive sleep apnea, reinforce the need for such preventive measures
in youth.
Apnea - Sleep - Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - Sleep Disorders - Circadian Rhythm