The Silent Struggle: Investigating Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Its Impact On Metabolic Health Among Medical Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/nfj88t45Keywords:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, STOP-BANG Questionnaire, Medical Students, Blood glucose, Blood Pressure, Metabolic health.Abstract
Purpose: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an underrecognized condition in young adults that may contribute to early metabolic disturbances. This study aimed to assess the risk of OSA among MBBS students and explore its association with metabolic parameters—specifically blood pressure and random blood glucose levels.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 67 medical students (aged 18–24 years) at Manipal Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur. Participants completed the STOP-BANG questionnaire to evaluate OSA risk. Anthropometric parameters including body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage were measured using the OMRON body-fat analyzer. Random blood glucose was recorded using a glucometer, and blood pressure was measured using a standard sphygmomanometer. Correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess relationships between STOP-BANG scores and metabolic outcomes.
Results
The mean BMI of the participants was 24.18 kg/m², and the mean body fat percentage was 26.84%. STOP-BANG scores showed a significant positive correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.477, p < 0.001), while correlations with diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.132, p = 0.287) and random blood glucose (r = 0.080, p = 0.518) were weak and statistically insignificant. Linear regression analysis indicated that STOP-BANG scores moderately explained the variance in systolic blood pressure (R² = 0.228) but had minimal explanatory power for diastolic pressure (R² = 0.017) and blood glucose (R² = 0.006).
Conclusion
The study highlights a significant association between OSA risk and elevated systolic blood pressure in young adults, emphasizing the need for early identification and intervention. Although no significant associations were observed with diastolic blood pressure or blood glucose, these findings support integrating OSA screening into routine health assessments for medical students to mitigate potential long-term cardiovascular risks.
